Can your fingernails tell you if you have psoriatic arthritis?

As many as 80% of people with psoriatic arthritis notice changes in their nails. In fact, nail symptoms can be an early warning sign of this type of arthritis.

What do fingernails look like with psoriatic arthritis?

Color changes. White, yellow, or brown discoloration and/or reddish marks (aka splinter hemorrhages, which are caused by tiny burst blood vessels under the nails) are common among people with psoriatic arthritis.

How do you treat psoriatic arthritis of the nails?

Some treatments work to target your nails directly, such as:

1. Cortisone injections. Cortisone injections usually target inflammation in a single joint, but they can also be injected into the nail bed to reduce inflammation and combat psoriatic lesions.
2. Steroid cream.
3. Light therapy.
4. Antifungal medications.
5. Antibiotics.

Does arthritis affect your fingernails?

RA may even lead to changes in your nails, such as the development of vertical ridges or a yellowing and thickening. Changes to your nails can be signs of RA or other systemic conditions and should be diagnosed by a doctor. Most nail changes from RA do not need to be treated independently from the condition.

Why does rheumatologist look at fingernails?

In most, it means an increased likelihood of rheumatic disease. This means that the presence of these nail changes in a patient with inflammatory arthritis, and/or recurrent tendinopathy/enthesopathy, and/or spinal pain & stiffness is significant.

What are the early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis?

10 Early Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

• Sausage fingers. People with PsA often have painful swelling in the fingers and toes.
• Nail changes.
• Scaly patches on elbows and knees.
• Eye pain and redness.
• Joint pain and stiffness.
• Fatigue.
• Stomach issues.
• Tenderness.

Does psoriatic arthritis show up in blood work?

Psoriatic Arthritis Blood Test: HLA-B27 HLA-B27 is a blood test that looks for a genetic marker for psoriatic arthritis — a protein called human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27), which is located on the surface of white blood cells.

What are the six signs of psoriatic arthritis?

Here are six symptoms you should watch out for.

• It’s hard to move in the morning.
• Your fingers look like warm sausages.
• You have lower back pain.
• Your nails have grooves and ridges.
• You experience eye problems.
• You’re always tired.

What are the 5 types of psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is categorized into five types: distal interphalangeal predominant, asymmetric oligoarticular, symmetric polyarthritis, spondylitis, and arthritis mutilans. The distal interphalangeal predominant type affects mainly the ends of the fingers and toes.

What can mimic psoriatic arthritis?

Conditions that can mimic psoriatic arthritis include:

• Axial spondyloarthritis.
• Enteropathic arthritis.
• Gout.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Plantar fasciitis.
• Reactive arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.

What triggers psoriatic arthritis flare ups?

Triggers for onset and a flare include: Stress, which can trigger symptoms and make them worse. Medications, such as lithium, antimalarials, beta blockers quinidine, and indomethacin. Physical stress on the joints, for example, through obesity, which can make inflammation worse.

What are the worst symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis can affect joints on one or both sides of your body….However, psoriatic arthritis is more likely to also cause:

• Swollen fingers and toes. Psoriatic arthritis can cause a painful, sausage-like swelling of your fingers and toes.
• Foot pain.
• Lower back pain.
• Nail changes.
• Eye inflammation.

Can a blood test show psoriatic arthritis?

What foods to avoid if you have psoriatic?

Foods like fatty red meats, dairy, refined sugars, processed foods, and possibly vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants (you might hear them called nightshades) may all cause inflammation. Avoid them and choose fish, like mackerel, tuna, and salmon, which have omega-3 fatty acids.

What is the life expectancy of someone with psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis does not usually affect a person’s life expectancy and it is not life-threatening. However, it can increase the risk for other conditions (co-morbidities) that can, such as cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Are bananas good for psoriatic arthritis?

Bananas are not a typical choice for people with arthritis, but the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in them may aid in protecting the body against certain oxidative stress.

Is coffee good for psoriatic arthritis?

The best way to manage PsA symptoms and prevent complications is with medication prescribed by your doctor. You may also want to consider making changes to your diet, for instance, the beverages you drink. The best drinks for PsA include green tea, coffee, and plain water. Best beverages for arthritis.

Is walking good for psoriatic arthritis?

The best endurance exercises for people who have psoriatic arthritis are walking, swimming, and biking, Lindsey says. If you’re able, running is fine too. Just be sure to run on softer surfaces to avoid any repetitive, hard impact on your joints.