Psoriatic Arthritis

Summary

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. You usually get them on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your body.

Some people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. It is often mild, but can sometimes be serious and affect many joints. The joint and skin problems don’t always happen at the same time.

Your doctor will do a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. There is no cure, but medicines can help control inflammation and pain. In rare cases, you might need surgery to repair or replace damaged joints.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Statistics and Research

• Arthritis by the Numbers: Book of Trusted Facts and Figures Arthritis Foundation

Find an Expert

• Arthritis Foundation: Local Office Directory Arthritis Foundation
• Find a Dermatologist American Academy of Dermatology
• Find a Rheumatologist American College of Rheumatology
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Arthritis, Psoriatic National Institutes of Health

Women

• Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis and Pregnancy Organization of Teratology Information Specialists

Start Here

• Psoriatic Arthritis American College of Rheumatology
• Psoriatic Arthritis National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Patient Handouts

• Psoriatic arthritis Medical Encyclopedia

Genetics

• Psoriatic arthritis: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine

Journal Articles

• Psoriatic Arthritis