Psoriasis Diagnosis
Take the mystery out of how your doctor will diagnose for psoriasis.
WHAT IF I HAVE PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS? TALKING TO YOUR DERMATOLOGIST
- People who have psoriasis are at risk for developing psoriatic arthritis
- If you have psoriasis, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis can be diagnosed by your dermatologist
- There are ways to manage psoriatic arthritis symptoms, including medication and diet and lifestyle modifications.
Who is at Risk for Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)?
People with psoriasis (Ps) are at risk for developing psoriatic arthritis. However, psoriasis does not cause PsA, and vice versa. In some cases, PsA develops after plaque psoriasis.
Inflammation is thought to be an underlying cause of both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis can be diagnosed by a dermatologist or rheumatologist.
PsA Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may include:
Joint stiffness, pain, and swelling
Feeling tired or lacking energy
Painful, sausage-like swelling of fingers or toes
Nail changes
Tendon and heel pain
Eye inflammation
(which may cause blurry vision and permanent damage)
If you have psoriasis, it’s especially important to be on the lookout for any signs of psoriatic arthritis and discuss them with your doctor.
How is Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosed?
Unfortunately, there are no tests to determine if you have PsA. This is why it’s especially important to have an ongoing conversation with your dermatologist about any new signs or symptoms.
Your dermatologist can determine if you have PsA based on what they see during your visit, including:
- Self-reported symptoms of joint pain and swelling
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Condition of your nails
- Results of bloodwork to help rule out other conditions
- Skin evaluation
Working with Your Dermatologist
Regular, routine dermatologist visits are the perfect time to check in about PsA. Even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms, you may want to ask the following:
- How will I know if I’m experiencing PsA symptoms?
- What should I do if I notice any PsA symptoms?
- What are treatment options for PsA?
- Can changes to my diet or lifestyle help me manage my PsA symptoms?
Managing Psoriatic Arthritis
Although there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, there are treatment options to help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation, such as:
- Dietary changes including eating foods that fight inflammation
- Adding daily exercise
- Finding the right treatment to help manage PsA symptoms
Treatment Options for Psoriatic Arthritis
PsA can be treated by various medications such as:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
- Topical treatments
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Oral small molecules
- Biologic treatments
Talk to your dermatologist about your treatment goals so you can come up with a plan that works for you.
Discover a Treatment Option for Active Psoriatic Arthritis ➜
Recommended Topics & Resources
Importance of a Dermatologist
Finding the right psoriasis specialist should be a top priority.
Find a Dermatologist
Looking for a dermatologist who treats plaque psoriasis? Find one near you.