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.
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Read the full topic on MedlinePlus
Medicines whose label mentions psoriatic arthritis
These medicines list it among their uses on the official FDA label. This is not a treatment recommendation: only a clinician who knows your history can decide what’s right for you.
- Prednisone
- Methylprednisolone Acetate, Lidocaine Hydrochloride, Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Povidine Iodine, Sodium Chloride, Isopropyl Alcohol
- Methylprednisolone Acetate, Lidocaine Hydrochloride, Bupivacaine Hydrochloride, Povidine Iodine, Isopropyl Alcohol
- Methylprednisolone
- Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate
- Methylprednisolone Acetate
- Prednisolone
- Prednisolone Sodium Phosphate
When to get urgent help
If symptoms come on suddenly, are severe, or you’re worried, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. For anything less urgent, contact your doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the likely cause in my case, and what tests might I need?
- What are my treatment options, and what are the trade-offs?
- Which symptoms mean I should seek urgent care?
- What changes to diet, activity or habits would help?