Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis To Watch For

Scaly Patches Of Skin

The skin of an individual affected by psoriatic arthritis becomes damaged when their immune system attacks the skin cells inappropriately. When skin becomes damaged, the body utilizes healing mechanisms to repair the damage done to the cells and replace those that have been lost. As the immune system of a psoriatic arthritis patient repeatedly attacks the cells of their skin over time, the healing mechanisms can cause an accumulation of cells in the affected area. This accumulation of skin cells may be scaly, raised, red, and patchy. In some individuals who have psoriatic arthritis, the accumulated skin cells will begin to peel. These skin manifestations of psoriatic arthritis tend to most commonly affect the elbow tips, scalp, knees, genital areas, naval, and ears. Most individuals who have psoriatic arthritis develop such skin symptoms long before they have symptoms in their joints.