Does rheumatoid arthritis affect the integumentary systems?

Answer 1

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects many systems in the body, including the integumentary. One of the telltale signs of rheumatoid arthritis is the "rheumatoid nodules" or bumps that form around the joints (mostly visible when joint is flexed) and on the arms and legs. As the disease advances, nodules may also appear in the pleura (membrane covering the lungs exterior and the interior of the chest cavity) and meninges (tissue surrounding brain and spinal cord). Other symptoms of RA that affect the skin include paleness, skin redness and inflammation around joints, swollen glands, and numbness or tingling.

This disease has a complication that manifests itself mostly in the integumentary system; it is called rheumatoid vasculitis. The blood vessels become inflamed and bleed into the skin, causing skin ulcers, gangrene, and purpura (dark purple spots on skin). Nerve function is also impaired, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the skin.

Rheumatoid arthritis is often treated with corticosteroids, which notably have side-effects that impair the integumentary system. They cause extra fat deposits in the chest, face, upper back, and stomach, water and salt retention which cause swelling/edema, bruising, impaired or slower wound healing, acne, and thinning of skin. Due to the side effects, they are used mostly for short-term treatment. It is sad to note though, that their positive effects on the disease and symptoms cause many people to take them unknowingly and then suffer the side effects later.

Integumentary System by Amaris Ramirez - Sunday, 8 November 2009,