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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
02:28
Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
Published on: March 1, 2024
Improving recognition of psoriatic arthritis
Philip G Conaghan1, Laura C Coates
1Section of Musculoskeletal Disease, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds & NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit.
The Practitioner
|February 4, 2010
Summary
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an underdiagnosed inflammatory condition. Early referral and thorough review are key for diagnosing PsA, which presents with varied joint and skin symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a common inflammatory arthritis, frequently underdiagnosed.
- Psoriasis affects over 1.5% of the UK population, with up to 40% potentially having undiagnosed PsA.
- PsA diagnosis is challenging due to diverse clinical presentations, including varied joint involvement and skin manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
- To emphasize the importance of thorough patient review for identifying PsA.
- To outline key clinical features and diagnostic aids for PsA.
Main Methods:
- Clinical review of patients with psoriatic disease.
- Assessment of joint involvement patterns, including peripheral and axial disease.
- Identification of characteristic features like dactylitis and enthesitis.
Main Results:
- PsA presents with variable arthritis patterns, differing from rheumatoid arthritis.
- Dactylitis and enthesitis are key diagnostic indicators for PsA.
- Skin psoriasis may be mild, hidden, or undiagnosed in many PsA patients.
Conclusions:
- Prompt referral to a rheumatologist is crucial for suspected PsA cases.
- Clinical diagnosis is primary, supported by blood tests and radiographs.
- Initial management includes NSAIDs, local corticosteroids, and DMARDs initiated by specialists.
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