The Link Between Psoriasis and Other Diseases
How psoriasis may be associated with other inflammatory diseases.
Psoriatic Arthritis
How can psoriasis, a disease that affects your skin, be associated with joint pain in psoriatic arthritis, too? Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are both believed to start with excess inflammation inside the body. This unchecked inflammation may be the root cause of several conditions that affect your skin, joints, and more.
In fact, 1 out of 3 people with psoriasis will also experience joint symptoms, which is referred to as psoriatic arthritis. Because they can occur together, with inflammation believed to be a common source, they’re considered comorbidities. However, one condition does not necessarily cause the other—either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis can present itself first. Also, the severity of one does not determine the severity of the other. This means you can have severe psoriasis, but moderate psoriatic arthritis, or vice versa.
It is important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing so they can appropriately manage your care.
Common psoriatic arthritis symptoms include:
Swollen fingers and toes
Tender, painful, or swollen joints
Reduced range of motion of joints
Morning stiffness
Lower back, upper back, or neck pain
General fatigue
Change in nails,
such as pitting
or separation
from nail bed
If you are experiencing any symptoms of psoriatic arthritis listed above, it's important to talk to your doctor.
