Can a person have the symptom of pitted fingernails and no other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis other than the arthritis itself? Am anxiously awaiting replies :confused:

No! You will have other problems with it.

Hi Kathy.I was diagnosed with psoriatric arthritis almost 10 years ago and I have been finding out what symptoms are related and what are'nt.Some symptoms are permanent and some are transient.My fingernails take a lot of work!! I may spend an hour working on them. But take the time as a way to relax and pamper yourself. Think of it as health care and it won't seem like a chore. : :wave: :

Hi Kathy - Yes you can - I did - I have had what they thought was RA for 18 years. My nails have always been very bad - thin like paper -pitted and ridged. I presented all the classical signs of RA but the blood test weren't quite right. I was put on Methotrexate which is used for Psoriatic Arthritis anyway and that unknowingly kept it under control. I only developed a itchy rash on my back 2 years ago. I saw a skin specialist and and for some reason the blood tests came back with Psoriatic Arthritis - my rheumatologist says thats what I had all along - It just never presented all the usual symptoms. He said it sometimes does that - Normally you get the rash first then the Arthritis - but I didn't. So yes you can - and now I know what I've got its itchier than ever bless it!! :wave:

What are all the symptoms of this type of arthritis. I easily bruise into blood like blisters, and cut very easily. Also it takes a long time to heal. Any help would be ppreciated.

There are many types of illnesses or syndromes which can cause easy bruising and the inability to heal, it is best to see a doctor or geneticist to determine the exact cause. Generally problems with your collagen will cause such symptoms. Psoriatic arthritis doesn't appear to have symptoms such as bruising, skin tears or inability to heal.

The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:

Nearly everyone with psoriatic arthritis have swelling in joints outside the spine, and secondary will have nail lesions. Additional symptoms are:

Silver or grey scaly spots on the scalp, elbows, knees and/or lower end of the spine.
Pitting of fingernails/toenails
Pain and swelling in one or more joints
Swelling of fingers/toes that gives them a "sausage" appearance.

I have dealt with this disease for almost twelve years. Over time my nails and arthritis have worsened to the point that over the counter medication was not effective. I decided to start taking Enbrel last August. I was just wanting relief from my arthritis, but what I got was a miracle! my arthitic pain went away, my nails cleared up, and my skin cleared up as well! I never thought that my nails would clear! They were terrible. broken, pitted, cuticle separated from nail bed with yeast infections being common under cuticle. All that went completely away! there are risks with taking Enbrel, but what drug comes without risks? It also is very expensive.

Good Luck,

Mike