Skin and nail changes in the arthritic foot

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Dermatology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Arthritic conditions frequently manifest with widespread cutaneous lesions, not solely confined to the feet.
• Skin and nail examinations, including fingernails, are vital for diagnosing painful foot joints and identifying potential rheumatic diseases.
• Many skin lesions associated with arthropathies are non-specific, appearing across various rheumatic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the interconnectedness of arthritic processes and cutaneous manifestations.
• To emphasize the diagnostic value of dermatological examination in rheumatological conditions.
• To discuss specific and non-specific skin lesions in the context of arthropathies.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on the association between skin lesions and arthropathies.
• Emphasis on the collaborative roles of rheumatologists and dermatologists.
• Case examples and discussion of specific diseases like lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, Familial Mediterranean fever, Behçet's syndrome, disseminated gonococcal infection, and Lyme disease.

Main Results:

• Cutaneous lesions can be indicative of underlying arthritic conditions and vice versa.
• Close collaboration between rheumatology and dermatology is essential for managing conditions like lupus erythematosus and psoriatic arthritis.
• Characteristic dermatological features are present in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
• Certain rare diseases present diagnostic challenges requiring interdisciplinary expertise.

Conclusions:

• The skin provides critical clues for diagnosing and managing joint disorders.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances patient care for complex rheumatic and dermatological conditions.
• A comprehensive approach considering both skin and joint symptoms is necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of various arthropathies.