Is psoriatic arthritis linked to psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin problem that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. This commonly affects skin of the scalp and over the knees and elbows, but can occur anywhere on the body. About 10% to 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis may develop at any age, but usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. While the cause is not known, genetic factors, along with the immune system, infection, and physical trauma likely play a role in determining who will develop the disorder.
