Psoriasis and Joint Pain

Definition of psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis plus joint pain could be a condition called psoriatic arthritis, a disease that approximately two in ten people with psoriasis symptoms may have or develop.

Psoriatic arthritis is an immune system disorder. Its symptoms are a combination of skin plaques (just as in psoriasis) and joint inflammation. Previously, these two types of symptoms were considered two separate diseases and treated accordingly. Today we know these symptoms may be different aspects of a single underlying immune malfunction.

Symptoms and onset of psoriatic arthritis

Simply put, psoriatic arthritis looks like what it sounds like: psoriasis and arthritis. In most cases, the psoriasis symptoms develop first. It’s not at all unusual for as many as 10 years to pass before joint symptoms set in. But beware: this condition doesn’t follow any hard-and-fast rules. Joint pain can start before or with skin symptoms. Sometimes even very minor, easily overlooked cases of psoriasis can indicate psoriatic arthritis when present with joint pain. Each case of psoriatic arthritis is unique. So, for an accurate diagnosis, it’s essential to consult a specialist.

Warning signs of psoriatic arthritis

If you know you have psoriasis symptoms, be aware of any chronic joint pain and stiffness, typically worse in the morning, especially with redness and inflammation. Of course, not all joint pain is a sign you have psoriatic arthritis. And everybody experiences minor aches and pains due to exertion or aging. But if your joint pain is determined by a doctor to be related to your immune system, some experts recommend it should be treated as early and aggressively as possible. So stay alert to your body’s signals—and share any health changes with your dermatologist.

Causes of psoriatic arthritis

Although the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis has not been determined, an imbalance of inflammation-causing and inflammation-suppressing chemical messengers is largely responsible for those uncomfortable and painful symptoms.

Getting treatment for psoriatic arthritis

In the past, psoriatic arthritis was treated as two separate and unrelated conditions, requiring two separate sets of medication. Today, psoriatic arthritis is being successfully treated as a single disease. Prompt, aggressive treatment can make a big difference. So if you have joint pain along with your psoriasis and you think you may have psoriatic arthritis, talk to your dermatologist about it, and ask about treatment options.

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