“Are skin sores a symptom of psoriatic arthritis?”
I'm 42, and I noticed that I have skin sores along my arms that come and go. I also noticed that my joints are stiff. Are these signs of psoriatic arthritis?
3 Answers
This is possible
There are different forms of psoriasis and 5 subtypes of psoriatic arthritis so communication between Dermatology and Rheumatology is essential
There are different forms of psoriasis and 5 subtypes of psoriatic arthritis so communication between Dermatology and Rheumatology is essential
Skin sores and stiff joints are certainly signs of psoriatic arthritis, and therefore these symptoms are certainly something you would want to bring to the attention of your doctor. However, there are other causes of skin sores and joint stiffness. Jumping to the conclusion that it is psoriatic arthritis may be too hasty. What do the sores look like? Do they have a "silvery scale"? Do they itch? Without an experienced doctor's exam, it is hard to say what the diagnosis is. Use a telehealth provider or see your family doctor for advice when the sores appear. He / she may order an X-ray of the hands, which has a characteristic appearance in psoriatic arthritis. If you can make the diagnosis, there are treatments available for this common problem. Good luck and good health!
It sounds like you need to see a board certified dermatologist and possibly a rheumatologist (joint specialist) to properly give you an answer and manage your problem. Don’t delay as joint inflammation can lead to permanent joint damage.
