The Link Between Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis is more than skin deep. For many, the condition is the first visible sign of a systemic autoimmune disease — one that may eventually attack the joints in a form known as psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are both chronic inflammatory conditions. While psoriasis primarily affects the skin, psoriatic arthritis targets the joints by causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Living with either condition can be challenging, but when both coexist, the impact on daily life can be overwhelming.

What is the connection between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis? Are they related? And how can early diagnosis help? We cover all these questions and more below.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the buildup of skin cells. As cells accumulate rapidly on the surface of the skin, scales and red patches form that can be itchy and sometimes painful.¹ There are several types of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is the most common, characterized by raised, red, scaly patches on the skin.²

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often accompanied by fatigue and reduced range of motion. PsA can affect any joint in the body and may also cause inflammation in tendons and ligaments.³ Early diagnosis and PsA treatment are vital to prevent joint damage and disability.

The Connection Between Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

It’s estimated that about 25% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.⁴ While the exact cause remains unknown, studies suggest that genetics and inflammation play a key role. The risk of psoriatic arthritis increases in those who have severe psoriasis, affected nails, or plaques in sensitive areas like the scalp or around the buttocks.⁵

Psoriasis often appears before PsA in 60-80% of patients, sometimes by 10-20 years, but joint symptoms can develop even in people without visible skin lesions.^6,7

The connection between the two conditions lies in the immune system’s overactivity. In both psoriasis and PsA, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation. This inflammatory process can manifest differently in the skin and joints, but the underlying immune dysfunction is shared.⁸

Shared Risk Factors and Triggers

Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis share several risk factors and triggers. Understanding these can help in early detection and management:

Genetics: Family history is one of the most significant risk factors. If a parent or sibling has psoriasis or PsA, your risk increases significantly.⁵
Immune System Dysfunction: Both conditions are autoimmune, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In psoriasis, it targets the skin, and in PsA, it affects the joints.
Environmental Triggers: Infections, such as streptococcal throat infections, can trigger psoriasis flare-ups and acute psoriatic spondyloarthritis (SpA).⁹ Stress is another common factor that can exacerbate both conditions.^5,10
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity is a known risk factor for both psoriasis and PsA, as it increases inflammation in the body. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also worsen symptoms and hinder treatment efficacy.⁵
Hormonal Changes: Psoriasis and PsA symptoms may flare up or worsen during hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.¹¹
Medication Triggers: Certain medications, like beta-blockers and lithium, can induce or worsen psoriasis symptoms.¹²

Psoriasis Diagnosis in Older Adults Increases Risk of PsA

Research has shown that being diagnosed with psoriasis later in life significantly increases the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. A recent study published in ARC Open Rheumatology found that adults aged 43+ years who are diagnosed with psoriasis are over four times as likely to be diagnosed with PsA within the same 6-month period as younger patients.¹³

This highlights the importance of early diagnosis in patients of all ages, but more importantly, stressed PsA monitoring for older adults who are diagnosed with psoriasis.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is crucial in preventing long-term joint damage and improving quality of life. If left untreated, PsA can lead to permanent joint deformities and reduced mobility. Unfortunately, many people dismiss joint pain as minor aches and pains or associate it solely with aging, which can delay seeking medical attention.¹⁴

Recognizing the symptoms early — such as joint stiffness in the morning, swelling, or changes in finger and toenail appearance — is vital. The good news is that early intervention with proper psoriatic arthritis treatment can make a significant difference. Working with healthcare professionals, especially rheumatologists and infusion specialists, can help patients develop personalized care plans that minimize symptoms and protect joint health.

Talk to an Infusion Specialist About Psoriasis Treatments Today!

If you or a loved one are dealing with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, don’t wait to take action. Early diagnosis and targeted PsA infusion therapies can make a substantial difference in managing symptoms and maintaining an active lifestyle. At IDYLLIC Infusion Treatment Center, our specialists are dedicated to helping patients find relief through innovative infusion treatments and personalized care plans!

¹https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/

²https://www.psoriasis.org/plaque/

³https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriatic-arthritis

⁴https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29928910/

⁵https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5278907/

⁶https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2196539-clinical

⁷https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8815433/

⁸https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8569784/

⁹https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31332690/

¹⁰https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29729012/

¹¹https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3888685/

¹²https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16703778/