Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are both erosive, inflammatory types of arthritis with widespread symptoms. Signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can mimic signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. There are specific symptoms, distinguishing characteristics, as well as overlapping symptoms associated with both conditions which determine the diagnosis and course of treatment.

Psoriatic arthritis, as its name suggests, is characterized by symptoms associated with the skin disease psoriasis as well as arthritis. Symptoms of psoriasis and arthritis do not initially occur together in all cases, with one possibly preceding the other by months or years. There are 5 recognized types of psoriatic arthritis, differentiated by their signs and symptoms. The 5 types or patterns may evolve from one to another and they may overlap. Typically, disease onset for psoriatic arthritis occurs between 30 and 50 years old.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is also classified as an autoimmune disease (immune cells attack the body's own healthy tissues). The joints are primarily affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but there can be systemic effects (i.e. organs) as well. Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and early, aggressive treatment can help prevent joint damage and deformity. Typically, disease onset for rheumatoid arthritis occurs between 30 and 60 years old.

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• Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Are the Differences?

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