M07.2: Psoriatic spondylitis

You have psoriasis.

Your body’s own immune system plays a role in the development of psoriasis. The condition can be hereditary. Other family members may then be affected, too. Triggers such as skin irritations, stress or certain medications can make the condition worse.

A lot of small, pus-filled pustules have formed on the skin of your fingers and toes. Your nails are also badly affected. The nails might thicken and turn yellow, for example.

The zygapophyseal joints in your spine have become inflamed by psoriasis. The spine is made up of the individual vertebrae. Between every 2 vertebrae there is a vertebral disc. At the top and bottom of each there are 2 transverse processes. Along with the processes of adjacent vertebrae, these transverse processes form the small vertebral joints. The vertebral joints connect adjacent vertebrae to one another. An inflammation in the joints can cause various symptoms. Typical is a swollen, painful joint. The skin above the joint may also be red. It may also no longer be possible to move the joint as usual.