People with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that affects the skin, can also develop psoriatic arthritis. Both disorders result from a mistaken inflammatory response by the immune system, which targets healthy tissues as though they are foreign invaders.
Like other forms of arthritis, joints become stiff and swollen. However, psoriatic is also linked to numerous other health effects, such as the following:
Psoriasis causes the formation of large patches of itchy red skin, which also develop whitish scales. People usually develop these patches on their scalp, face, elbows, back, palms, knees, and feet, though they can appear anywhere. With psoriatic arthritis, skin issues occur alongside joint dysfunction. For example, the skin over the affected joints can become red or discoloured.
Not everyone with psoriatic arthritis experiences inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but research suggests that this autoimmune condition can increase one’s risk of gastrointestinal dysfunction. IBD is an umbrella term for conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which is three times more likely to occur in people with psoriatic arthritis.
Chronic inflammation can take a toll on the entire body. When it comes to cardiovascular health, psoriatic arthritis increases the chance of stroke and heart attack, particularly in those who are obese. Other serious risks include:
Psoriatic arthritis raises the risk of multiple eye conditions. People with this autoimmune disorder are more likely to experience chronic dry eye disease, inflammation of the sclera (i.e., the white part of the eye), and conjunctivitis. Uveitis risk is also elevated, and this condition can sometimes cause permanent loss of vision.