Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis - Some facts

Psoriasis

• Affects around 2% of the UK population about 1.3 million people
• 40- 50% have nail changes about half a million people
• 1 in 4 get psoriatic arthritis 325,000 people
• It's not contagious
• Affects both men and women
• Can get it at any age (most common age, between 10-40 yrs)
• Rarer in children under 10, but does occur
• Can itch
• Looks sore, scaly, red, in skin of colour it may be darker or violet
• Can bleed if picked
• No cure
• Cause unknown, but is hereditary

Treatments

Topical creams, ointments (emollients, steroids, tar), Ultra Violet light, strong toxic drugs.

Outlook

Poor quality of life, discrimination, life-long treatments and therapy, increased risk of other conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease.

Psoriatic Arthritis

• 1 in 4 of people with psoriasis get psoriatic arthritis 325,000 people
• Can affect not only joints but tendons and connective tissue
• In severe case, 1 in 20, it can be very destructive
• Can cause disability and affect mobility
• No cure
• Cause unknown but is hereditary
• Can affect children under 10, but rare
• Can get it at any age (most common age, between 10-40 yrs)
• Increased risk with severe psoriasis

Treatments

Pain relief, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, strong toxic drugs.

Outlook

Poor quality of life, discrimination, life-long treatments and therapy, increased risk of other conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, disability and loss of mobility.

Note: This article was published on this site on 4 September 2019, and is retained for historical and reference purposes only.