7/17/2024
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology sought to understand fatigue in people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Fatigue is a significant issue for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, according to the researchers of this study, the individual factors that could influence fatigue have not been fully studied. This research aimed to delve into the nature of fatigue and its underlying causes in individuals with psoriasis, with or without PsA. Using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 questionnaire, adults with psoriasis and a control group without the condition provided insights into their fatigue levels. Additionally, participants with psoriasis reported on joint pain, itching, skin discomfort, and sleep problems using a numerical scale.
The study involved 2741 adults with dermatologist-diagnosed psoriasis, including 593 with PsA, and 3788 people from the general population. Researchers used statistical methods to analyze the data, adjusting for factors like age, sex, socioeconomic status, and severity of psoriasis. Results showed that PsA had the most significant impact on overall fatigue, followed by psoriasis alone, compared to those without these conditions. Specifically, higher levels of joint pain and itching were linked to increased fatigue among both psoriasis patients with and without PsA.
The findings suggest that addressing symptoms such as joint pain and itchiness may be crucial in managing fatigue in psoriatic diseases, rather than focusing solely on the severity of the skin condition.
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Spondylitis Association of America