Clora~psoratic RA, or just psoriasis.

[Guest guest]

Hi Clora...this is from about.com with reference to the doctor who wrote it at

the end. This piece is somewhat dated and I imagine has a lot more info,

but hope this helps!

Question: What are the differences between psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid

arthritis?

There are over 100 types of arthritis. What are the differences in the clinical

picture of psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, other than the obvious

additional symptoms of the skin disease psoriasis?

Answer: Joint inflammation and stiffness in patients with Psoriasis, and RA

share a common feature. Both conditions are caused by an erosive inflammatory

arthritis. The distribution of joint involvement however, differs between the

two diseases. Classic RA is a symmetrical disease primarily involving the PIP

joints and wrists. RA nodules are often present. Psoriasis is an asymmetric

disease most often causing " sausage deformities " of the digits, and deformities

of the DIP joints of fingers and toes involved with psoriatic nail changes.

Typically, skin lesions are associated with Psoriasis. Sometimes proliferative

synovitis of the wrists and fingers occur, resembling RA. In these cases, x-rays

and laboratory testing help to differentiate the two diseases. Treatment for

both conditions are similar, using anti-inflammatory agents, anti-malarials, and

adding Methotrexate for stubborn cases. (Answer provided by the late Dr.

Federman, aka Dr. Bones, who passed away on September 2, 2003. The care of his

patients even in retirement was always his joy.)

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