National Psoriasis Awareness Month

Do you know what psoriasis looks like?  Do you know that psoriasis can be associated with many other disorders?

Though many are aware that psoriasis is a rash that often presents as a well-defined, red, scaly plaque or lesion that can occur on any part of the body, many are not aware that it is often a systemic condition.

Psoriasis is increasingly being recognized as a multisystem disorder with multiple associated comorbidities that includes obesity, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, malignancy, fatty liver disease, depression, and psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that is characterized by stiffness, pain, swelling, and tenderness of the joints and their surrounding ligaments and tendons.  The course of psoriatic arthritis is variable and unpredictable ranging from mild and nondestructive joint involvement to severe debilitating, destructive arthritis.

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis can also treat psoriasis and has been shown to have significant effect on the disease process and quality of life. The treatment is aimed at controlling inflammation and preventing discomfort, joint damage, and disability.  It is essential to thoroughly evaluate patients for the extent of involvement to develop a comprehensive treatment regimen.

If you have a history or family history of psoriasis and have any concerns of joint involvement, call the rheumatologists at Rheumatology Center Of Houston, Drs. Jacqueline Vo, Haihui Wang, and Mary Catherine Gibson, for a complete evaluation.  You can reach them in both the Houston and Pearland, TX, locations by calling (713) 640-5477, so call today.