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Learning how to live with psoriatic arthritis might feel like a challenge, especially at first. But understanding your diagnosis and how to manage this chronic disease can help you take control of your health.

Psoriatic arthritis patient booklet is meant to help you understand your disease and medications, and to improve your ability to communicate your symptoms and concerns to your healthcare professionals. Here, you will also find several non-pharmacological strategies that may ease your symptoms and help you to cope with this disease (e.g., physical exercise, sleeping habits, and diet).

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​This booklet has been edited by rheumatologists, healthcare experts, and patients living with psoriatic arthritis.

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​The information in this booklet is for educational purposes only, and it should never replace the information and advice from your treating physician(s). It is meant to inform the discussions that you have with healthcare professionals, as well as others who play a role in your care and well-being.​

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis linked with psoriasis, a chronic skin and nail disease. Psoriasis causes red, scaly rashes and thick, pitted fingernails. Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by joint swelling (inflammation), pain and stiffness and can affect any peripheral joint such as fingers, toes, knees and/or spine. It also affects the insertion of tendons or ligaments in bones (enthesitis).

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Between 20-40% of people with the skin condition psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms affecting their joints tend to develop 5 to 10 years after psoriasis is diagnosed but it can occur at any time. Currently, it is not clear why some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis while others do not.

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The arthritis of psoriatic arthritis comes in three forms: oligoarticular arthritis that affects four or less peripheral joints (e.g., joints in the fingers, toes, knees); polyarticular arthritis that involves five or more peripheral joints on both sides of the body; and axial arthritis that affects the joints of the spine including the sacroiliac joint (where the spine connects to the pelvis).

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Some people may develop psoriasis after or at the same time as symptoms of psoriatic arthritis present themselves (4). In rare cases, people may have psoriatic arthritis and never have any noticeable symptoms of psoriasis.

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Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory conditions that are caused by a fault in the immune system. Our immune system protects us from infection and illness.