Psoriatic Arthritis vs Psoriasis - What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever had irritated skin or sore joints and tendons, you know how difficult daily life can become. Even if your struggles are more annoying than disruptive, they can still be a major pain! But did you know your soreness and skin trouble may be related? That they may be more than occasional issues, and part of an overall disease?

This is where psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis play a role. Although separate conditions, they are both very related, and together form what is called psoriatic disease.

What Is Psoriatic Disease?

Psoriatic disease refers to a condition that impacts multiple areas of your body. It is an ongoing condition that may worsen with time, becoming uncomfortable and painful, and for some people, may trigger disability and deformity.

Isn’t getting older fun?

The good news is, that there are many treatments and support groups, but before seeking help, you need to know which condition you’re dealing with! Some people develop the arthritis component of the disease, others deal with skin issues. Some sufferers have both. In all cases, these two types of psoriatic disease are a result of a dysfunctional immune system.

Let’s cover both.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Caused by chronic inflammation, psoriatic arthritis is simply one manifestation of the overall disease. Close to one-third of people with the initial skin issues of psoriasis will have complications with joints and tendons, leading to psoriatic arthritis.

This condition impacts three types of areas: the joints, the tendons, and the ligaments. Although healthcare professionals still aren’t sure what exactly causes psoriatic arthritis, they believe there are genetic and environmental components.

Symptoms include:

Swelling
Fatigue
Pain
Inflammation

Typically, psoriatic arthritis affects the toes and fingers, and in time, can lead to disfigurement if not properly treated.

Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis is a multi-step process. Doctors will first look to see if you have psoriasis, as psoriasis often comes first, usually before the age of 30. Your symptoms will be assessed as well as your health history.

From there, doctors can use various diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, skin biopsies, and more. A specialist may also examine your blood for clumping proteins. If your blood has high levels of uric acid, that may also indicate psoriatic arthritis.

With multiple tests and tools, a physician can determine if you have psoriatic arthritis and begin treatment right away. If you’re experiencing skin problems before joint pain, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor as soon as you can.

What Is Psoriasis?

While we all get skin issues from time to time, psoriasis is different. Like its arthritic counterpart, psoriasis is also caused by issues with the immune system. These lead to chronic systemic inflammation, impacting multiple areas of your body.

Although nobody wants to receive a psoriasis diagnosis, the good news is that it’s fairly easy to diagnose. That’s because the symptoms and signs are unique. Unlike your typical red or itchy skin, psoriasis will usually make its presence known!

Unique symptoms include:

Cracked and dry skin, often bleeding
Trouble sleeping or getting to sleep
Fingernails that are thick with vertical ‘ridges’
Red skin patches with an abnormal thickness
Silver or white ‘scales’ that burn

As you can see, these are not your typical dried skin ailments! Like with psoriatic arthritis, doctors are not completely sure what causes these issues. They do caution, however, that certain lifestyle habits may increase your risk. Certain infections, such as Strep, and even medications like psychiatric drugs and heart medicines may lead to psoriasis. As with many diseases, smoking and obesity are also contributing factors.

To diagnose psoriasis, your doctor will closely examine your skin, nails, and scalp. Your health history, medication use, and any recent infections will also be assessed. Depending on your symptoms and conditions, you may be diagnosed with one of many types of psoriasis, from plaque psoriasis to pustular psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and beyond.

Treating Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Now for some good news!

While no cure exists for overall psoriatic disease, many treatments can help with symptoms and make your daily life as normal as possible. Dermatologists, primary care providers, and joint and bone specialists can all work together to target your issues.

Anti-inflammatory drugs and medicines that preserve your joints and tissues, called “DMARDs,” are common. Massages and physical therapy are also very useful (and feel great).

Aside from these treatments and therapies, the best thing you can do is live smart and healthily. Eat diets rich in plants and healthy fats, especially from seafood, like the Mediterranean Diet. Get moderate sunlight, bathe routinely to moisturize your skin, and limit smoking and alcohol.

With these simple tips, you can take charge of your condition and live the life you deserve!