What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a persistent disease typified by inflammation of the skin and joints. Psoriasis is a widespread skin condition striking 2% of the Caucasian population in the United States. It presents patchy, raised, red areas of skin inflammation with scaling.

Psoriasis frequently involves the tips of the knees and elbows, the scalp, the navel, and in the region of the genital areas or anus. Roughly 10% of patients who have psoriasis also acquire a related inflammation of their joints. Patients who have inflammatory arthritis and psoriasis are diagnosed as having psoriatic arthritis.