A View of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a genetically driven autoimmune disease that occurs in less than 10% of persons with psoriasis. Large and small joints are affected. Psoriatic arthritis is often associated with psoriasis in fingernails and toenails.

About 95% of those with psoriatic arthritis have swelling in joints outside the spine, and more than 80% of people with psoriatic arthritis have nail lesions. The course of psoriatic arthritis varies, with most doing reasonably well.

Symptoms include:
Silver or grey scaly spots on the scalp, elbows, knees and/or lower end of the spine.
Pitting of fingernails/toenails
Pain and swelling in one or more joints
Swelling of fingers/toes that gives them a "sausage" appearance.