Psoriasis and arthritis linked?

Nearly 1 in 4 Americans who have psoriasis also might have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis, according to a National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) study.

NPF last October published its study, which tracked 477 people who have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Researchers found that 22 percent of the participants who had psoriasis had symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, including joint pain and swollen fingers and toes.

The problem in diagnosing psoriatic arthritis could be its delayed development: 44 percent of the study’s subjects said it took at least 1 year for them to be diagnosed, and almost 30 percent said it took at least 2 years.

According to NPF Medical Board, people who have psoriasis or a family history of the disease should contact their doctor if they experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, as well as pain in the feet and lower back.