Insights Into Psoriatic Arthritis: Understanding its 5 Distinct Forms
Revamped Article:
One beast isn't all that pesky – when you've got psoriasis, there's another one lurking in the wings, called psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Here's what you gotta know about the five different types of this bugger, their symptoms, and tactics for taming them.
PsA is an uncanny relative to psoriasis but don't let that fool ya – it's a whole different game. Psoriasis is a chronic skin blemish that churns out red, flaky skin. PsA, on the other hand, generally sends a punch to your joints. It's a possibility to have both conditions, or merely zilch of one and all of the other.
Get a grip on the type of PsA you've got, and you're well on your way to whackin' it. Here's a cheat sheet to help you recognize the five main types and battle plans for each.
What the Heck Are the 5 Types of Psoriatic Arthritis?
PsA nags around 20-30% of those with psoriasis. There are five types to keep an eye on:
- Asymmetric PsA
- Symmetric PsA
- Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA
- Spondylitis PsA
- Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans
Take note that certain symptoms can clue you into which type you're dealing with, but your doc'll consider all signs when making a final call.
1. Asymmetric PsA
Asymmetric PsA is the most common type of PsA and rears its ugly head in at least 60% of cases. Unpredictable, it jabs individual joints rather than pairs. You could experience pain in the joints of your right hand, while your left remains untouched.
As odd as it might seem, signs of pain won't always keep to one side. Expect to see the left knee and right foot throbbin' at the same time, even though you're experiencing asymmetric PsA. Intriguingly, recent studies show that this type of PsA is more common in men[1].
2. Symmetric PsA
When PsA makes its way into your life, it's a pain in the butt. Symmetric PsA causes symptoms on both sides of your body, affecting 15-61% of folks[1]. Interestingly, it's more common in women[1].
3. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA
An estimated 10% of people with PsA get unhappily acquainted with Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA. With DIP PsA, the joints near the tips of your toes and fingers bear the brunt of the damage[1].
4. Spondylitis PsA
Around 7-32% of PsA sufferers develop spondylitis PsA, a trickster that targets the joints between your spinal vertebrae[1].
5. Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans
Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans is a nasty breed of PsA, affecting about 5% of those with PsA[1]. It's known for causing extreme pain and severe joint damage, especially in the hands, feet, or wrists.
Treating the Beast
PsA doesn't have a magic potion for a cure, but there are some tricks to tame it. Sit down with your doc to figure out the best approach for you – it's often a combo of treatments[1]:
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Oral corticosteroids (prednisone)
- Biologic drugs (adalimumab or etanercept)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin or ibuprofen
- Intra-articular joint injections, such as hyaluronic acid or cortisone
Home remedies can also help when combined with professional care:
- Cold therapy: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for up to 10 minutes to cool the inflammation.
- Nail care: Be gentle with your cuticles, avoid nail polish to reduce irritation, and keep nails moisturized with oils and creams[1].
- Soak it up: Give your digits or danglin' toes a soothing bath for some much-needed R&R[1].
- Keep your feet and hands dry: Pat your skin dry after each shower and don't forget to wear sweat-wicking socks[1].
Check in with your doc before trying an at-home PsA solution to ensure it's suitable for your unique symptoms and treatments[1]. Remember, knowin' thyself is half the battle, so kick the PsA to the curb and start livin' life on your terms!
Enrichment data has been integrated into the base article without overloading content.
[1] PsA types, symptoms, and treatments overview: https://www.psoriasis.org/resources/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-and-treatments/types-of-psoriatic-arthritis[2] Asymmetric PsA symptoms and treatment: https://www.psoriasis.org/resources/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-and-treatments/types-of-psoriatic-arthritis/asymmetric-psoriatic-arthritis[3] Symmetric PsA symptoms and treatment: https://www.psoriasis.org/resources/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-and-treatments/types-of-psoriatic-arthritis/symmetric-psoriatic-arthritis[4] Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA symptoms and treatment: https://www.psoriasis.org/resources/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-and-treatments/types-of-psoriatic-arthritis/distal-interphalangeal-predominant-psoriatic-arthritis[5] Spondylitis PsA symptoms and treatment: https://www.psoriasis.org/resources/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-and-treatments/types-of-psoriatic-arthritis/spondylitis-psoriatic-arthritis[6] Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans symptoms and treatment: https://www.psoriasis.org/resources/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-and-treatments/types-of-psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-mutilans
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is linked to psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, and affects around 20-30% of those with psoriasis.
- There are five primary types of PsA: Asymmetric, Symmetric, Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP), Spondylitis, and Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans.
- Each type of PsA has distinct symptoms and requires different treatment strategies, making medical-condition diagnosis crucial for effective treatment.
- Chronic diseases like PsA, along with other skin-conditions and neurological-disorders, call for diligence in skin-care, health-and-wellness practices, and close collaboration with healthcare professionals.
- Science and research play a significant role in the understanding and management of PsA and other chronic diseases, enabling the development of new treatment options and improved patient outcomes.
