Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is best known for the damage it can do to your joints, but changes to your nails — both fingernails and toenails — can also signal that something is amiss inside your body. MSN: Brittle Nails? It Could Be an Early Warning Sign of Psoriatic Arthritis Brittle Nails?

Understanding the Context

It Could Be an Early Warning Sign of Psoriatic Arthritis Keep a watch out for joint, nail, and eye symptoms if you or a close family member has psoriasis. (Photo Credit: Chris Priest/Science Source) Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune ... Nail pitting is when small depressions appear on the surface of the nails. Pits in nails can be shallow or deep, depending on the individual case.

Key Insights

Nail depressions are often found in people with ... Psoriatic arthritis can occur in those who have psoriasis, often causing joint pain & swelling. Learn about the symptoms & risk factors for psoriatic arthritis. Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment of psoriatic arthritis continues to improve, which can give many people relief from symptoms and improve their quality of life. Your treatment plan depends on the pattern of symptoms and their severity.

Final Thoughts

You may need to try different medications to find one that works, or use a combination of them. Milder forms of the disease may be treated by: Over ... Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis Although there is no definitive test for psoriatic arthritis, your doctor may do the following to diagnose you with the condition: Ask if you have a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Talk to you about your symptoms and give you a physical exam. Swollen and tender joints, psoriasis skin lesions, and nail changes are telltale signs. Examine your ...