Psoriatic Arthritis Awareness Day

September 28th Marks the First Annual Psoriatic Arthritis Awareness Day

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 is the first-ever nationwide Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Awareness Day, enacted to raise awareness of the painful inflammatory disease that may develop in conjunction with psoriasis. Approximately 30% of people with psoriasis, the skin disease that causes dryness, itchiness or scaly rashes, also develop psoriatic arthritis, which can affect the entire body and may lead to permanent joint and tissue damage if not identified and treated early and aggressively.

Currently, more than one million Americans live with PsA, although this number may be higher, as the disease may be underreported.

Who is at Risk for PsA?

PsA usually appears between the ages of 30 and 55, but it can also be diagnosed during childhood. What’s more, both men and women are equally at risk for developing PsA.

The disease can affect various parts of the body, depending on which type of PsA you might experience. There are five types of PsA, which can cause pain in different body parts, including symmetric (causing pain on both sides of the body at the same time), asymmetric, distal (near the ends of fingers and toes), spondylitis (pain and stiffness in the spine and neck) and arthritis mutilans, which is the most rare and severe form of PsA, as it can cause deformities.

What Are Common Symptoms of PsA?

Symptoms of PsA vary – and many are similar to other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoarthritis, which can make PsA difficult to diagnose.

Common PsA symptoms, however, include:

  • Painful swollen joints
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling in fingers or toes
  • Skin rashes and nail changes
  • Tendon or ligament pain
  • Fatigue
  • Eye problems
  • Reduced range of motion
  • And more

Early recognition of psoriatic arthritis symptoms, diagnosis and treatment is crucial to effectively manage psoriatic arthritis. Help spread the word about Psoriatic Arthritis Awareness Day today and empower your family, friends, and loved ones to do the same!

To learn more about the first official PsA Awarenes Day, visit GoPsADay.com.

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3 thoughts on “September 28th Marks the First Annual Psoriatic Arthritis Awareness Day

  1. As an admin/ founder of an “Australian Psoriatic Arthritis Warriors” Facebook page, I’d really like this day to be international! We’d love to celebrate/ commemorate/ raise awareness too!

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