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Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that happens to some individuals that suffer from the skin problem psoriasis. It affects the joints of the body similar to rheumatoid arthritis, usually in a milder way. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms are characteristic of both the problems with joints and skin, there can also be other psoriatic arthritis symptoms too. During this present time there is no known cure for psoriatic arthritis or even psoriasis, however, numerous treatments exist for helping with the symptoms. It must be remembered that it is a chronic disease and can lead to other complications in health if not managed appropriately.

Commonly psoriatic arthritis symptoms are confined to the end joints of the toes or fingers. It is noted that in about one fifth of cases there will be issues with the spine. Very severe joint destruction can occur with a rare type of psoriatic arthritis called 'psoriatic arthritis mutilans' which is focused on joints.

The condition psoriasis appears on the skin as rough and scaly and rash like mostly on the areas of the knees, elbows and scalp. The rash consists of scaly patches of skin that are silvery or red gray in their appearance. About 5-10 percent of the 30 million Americans with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis symptoms.

For men and women the condition affects both equally and usually happens in the 30-50 years old age bracket. For a small number of sufferers the joint problems of the arthritis occur before the problems of the skin condition. In general the course of psoriatic arthritis is mild and will be limited to only a small number of joints.

Modern medicine does not have a cure for psoriatic arthritis. The approach of treatment is usually individualized for the person's symptoms, to achieve the best possible outcome. The disease can vary from individual to individual with variance on factor such as remission and flare ups, so these facts must be taken into consideration. Every individual is different and an approach to treatment should be tailored to your individual requirements.

The overall plan of treatment is to lessen psoriatic arthritis symptoms like the painful joints and slow down further degeneration. It may be approached as addressing two separate conditions with both the skin and joints being treated individually. The rash is usually treated with topical or oral drugs. A main key is prevention of secondary skin infection which is common in psoriasis because of skin irritation. The use of UV therapy such as the sun or artificially has been helpful for some people with skin issues.

The arthritic component of psoriatic arthritis symptoms is addressed like other kinds of arthritis with aspirin, medication and what is called anti-arthritis drugs. Growing in popularity is the use of natural approaches to reduce inflammation. Large doses of fish oils have been shown to be beneficial for reducing inflammation. As have some herbs, most notably cat or devil's claw and more recently curcumin from the turmeric root.

For more hints and tips on psoriatic arthritis symptoms visit author Peter Alexis' website which is packed full of recommendations on treating all arthritis related issues such as arthritis knee pain.