Psoriatic arthritis is a medical condition that causes swelling and inflammation in both the joints and the skin. It is a rare type of arthritis that causes scaly, red rashes on the skin and small white spots on the nails. Psoriatic arthritis affects the joints of the toes, fingers, knees, wrists, and lower back and causes intense pain in the affected joints. Its onset is common in individuals between the ages of 30-50 years, but it can also affect children. In most cases, the skin condition precedes joint pain.

Causes
The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is not yet known, but some of the possible causes are a dysfunctional immune system, a family history of the disease, and environmental triggers. Compared to normal arthritis, psoriatic arthritis lacks the typical rheumatoid arthritis antibodies and affects fewer joints.

Symptoms
The symptoms and severity of psoriatic arthritis vary among children, but some symptoms are common and affect all children:

• The appearance of itchy, red rashes on the face, buttocks, elbows, and scalp.
• Inflammation in the joints of the fingers, wrists, toes, and knees. Swollen wrists are also a common symptom in girls between the ages of 1-6 years.
• Swelling in the skin over the affected area.
• Stiffness in the joints.
• Joint deformities due to chronic inflammation.
• Fatigue and weakness in the body.
• Pain in the eyes.

Diagnosis
A number of procedures can be used for the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis:

• Physical examination : A physical examination is performed to identify any skin symptoms. It is easier to identify these symptoms in children who already have psoriasis. A medical history will also be discussed during this phase.
• ESR : Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is performed to understand the levels of inflammation present in the body. Red blood cells or erythrocytes settle at a faster pace at the bottom of a test tube in case the inflammation level in the body is high.
• Uric acid : Higher concentration of uric acid in the blood is associated with psoriatic arthritis.
• Antibody tests : It is performed to find out the presence of antibodies in the blood associated with the disease.
• Complete blood count : It helps in the identification of anemia and the number of blood cells like platelets and white blood cells.
• X-ray : This diagnosis is performed to understand the extent of damage to the bones and other soft tissues.

Treatment
The treatment strategy varies among patients, and sometimes, medications are used for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the pain and inflammation
• Calcium and vitamin D supplements to preserve bone health
• Corticosteroid to treat swelling and redness
• Surgical interventions to treat bone deformities or damaged joints
• Heat and cold treatment to reduce the pain
• Physical therapy to improve joint movements

Conclusion
Psoriatic arthritis adversely affects both the skin and the joints and causes pain and movement disabilities in severe cases. Timely diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of the disease.