PsoriasisDX, a subsity of PharmaGenoma, has released a genetic testing kit that will help doctors to detect psoriatic arthritis. By detecting this condition early much irreversible joint damage can be prevented.

Cost for the kit: $399.00.

It involves taking a cheek swab test, which is then packaged up and sent to a PsoriasisDX laboratory for testing.  The lab then tests for an immune response gene variant called MICA-A9 (or MICA, for short).  Different independent studies have confirmed that subjects who have this gene variant tend to develop psoriatic arthritis (likelihood of 60%).

The logical question now would be: “Exactly how do I prevent psoriatic arthritis (or psoriasis in general)?”

Answer:  Keep reading this blog!

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Psoriatic arthritis affects about 20% of all people who have psoriasis.  It’s symptoms are similar in many ways to other forms of arthritis, though with a tendency to affect fewer joints and, of course, the fundamental cause is different.  Other symptoms include debilitating pain, swelling and joint deformation over longer periods of time.