It’s been all over the news that reality star Kim Kardashian has psoriasis, a common skin disease that also affects 5.5 million Americans. Psoriasis causes cells to build up quickly on the surface of the skin and forms silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches that are often painful. That’s bad enough. But it may not be the end of Kardashian’s psoriasis woes. There’s a one in four chance that in the future she will develop psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory, or immune system-related, disease that occurs as a complication of psoriasis and, like other arthritis diseases, causes inflammation of the joints. The result is painful joints, stiffness and restricted motion. The cause isn’t known for certain but it may involve a combination of genetics, environmental issues and immune causes. About 40% of people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis have a close relative with the condition. Some cases of psoriasis may be linked to infections.
When it comes to treating the disease, skin symptoms and joint symptoms are usually addressed at the same time: Some of the treatments include:
Exercise is important to keep the pain and swelling of the arthritis to a minimum. A good exercise program can improve movement, strengthen muscles to stabilize joints, and increase stamina.
Sleep and rest help to reduce joint inflammation and fatigue. In a few people, psoriatic arthritis can cause extreme fatigue.
Hot and cold treatments can temporarily reduce pain and joint swelling.
Medications can help. Usually doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. If you have morning stiffness, taking the drugs a few hours before sleep could help reduce the A.M. symptoms.
