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Profile: Psoriatic Arthritis
Definition:
A chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition of the joints, part of the spondyloarthritis family, is psoriatic arthritis. It occurs in some individuals with psoriasis of the skin or nails, and is characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness, affecting the joints asymmetrically (hips, fingers, toes, and knees). Progressing in flare-ups, it is caused by an immune system reaction against the joints, tendons, and ligaments. It can thus be polyarticular/peripheral (arthritis), tendinous (enthesitis), and axial (spinal).
Internal and external causes:
Family predisposition (hereditary) with genetic variants at the level of genes involved in immunity.
How to reduce or eliminate:
Taking analgesics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or ketoprofen) to combat pain and morning stiffness; administering corticosteroid injections directly into painful joints; prescribing immunosuppressants (methotrexate, ustekinumab, guselkumab, ixekizumab, apremilast) to slow the progression of the disease and prevent flare-ups; using PUVA therapy; treatment with biologic therapy using anti-TNF agents (etanercept, infliximab, etc.), interleukin inhibitors or Janus kinase inhibitors; surgical interventions.
Preventative steps to take:
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Related articles: Rhumatisme psoriasique.