Question
I was diagnosed with psoriasis 5 months ago. Two months after this diagnosis I developed pain in both wrists which has been there ever since. I was given an anti-inflammatory gel which helps but if I don’t use this the pain returns. I am worried about a possibility of psoriatic arthritis. Is this the likely cause?
Answer
Psoriatic arthritis or arthropathy tends to affect the wrists, knees, ankles and fingers. It is certainly possible that it is the cause of your wrist pain. It is estimated that over 80% of the people affected with psoriatic arthritis exhibit signs of nail involvement. These signs typically include pitting of the nails. This looks like multiple small superficial indentations in the surface of the nails. Some people also exhibit detachment of finger or toe nails. If any of these signs are present in your case that would be additional strong evidence of psoriatic arthritis. Between 20 to 30% of people with psoriasis also have arthritis. Psoriasis can start at any age with the arthritis tending to occur after the onset of the skin condition. However, in approximately 19% of cases the arthritis commences first. You can learn more about psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis from our special psoriasis clinic which you can access at: http://www.irishhealth.com/clin/psor/