Long-term management for the thick, scaly patches and joint symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops in some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling alongside skin symptoms. It most often affects the fingers, toes, and lower back, and can cause permanent joint damage if left untreated.
The same underlying immune dysfunction that drives psoriasis also affects the joints in some patients; genetics play a significant role in who develops it.
There's no guaranteed way to prevent it, though early treatment of skin psoriasis and prompt attention to new joint symptoms may help limit joint damage.
Anti-inflammatory medication, disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs), and biologic therapies, typically managed jointly with a rheumatologist.
Myth: Joint pain in someone with psoriasis is probably just normal wear and tear. Fact: New joint pain or stiffness in a psoriasis patient should always be evaluated for psoriatic arthritis, since early treatment helps prevent permanent joint damage.
If you have psoriasis and develop joint pain, stiffness, or swelling -- your dermatologist can coordinate care with a rheumatologist.