Psoriasis & psoriatic arthritis
Autoimmune conditionAn immune-mediated condition in which skin cells build up too quickly, forming thick, scaly patches. Up to about 1 in 3 people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
For education only — this guide can't diagnose you. If these signs sound familiar, talk with a healthcare provider. Book a consult
What happens
Overactive immune signals speed up skin cell turnover from about a month to a few days. The same inflammation can affect joints, tendons, nails, and eyes, and it raises the risk of heart and metabolic problems.
Who gets it
Psoriasis affects women and men about equally and often starts between 15 and 35 or between 50 and 60. Flares are linked to stress, infections, smoking, alcohol, and some medicines.
Signs worth getting checked
- Raised, scaly patches on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back
- Itching or burning skin
- Pitted or crumbling nails
- Swollen, sausage-like fingers or toes
- Heel pain or lower back pain
- Morning joint stiffness
Labs to ask about
- Usually diagnosed by a skin exam, sometimes with a skin biopsy
- For joint symptoms: CRP, ESR, and RF and anti-CCP to rule out rheumatoid arthritis
- X-ray or ultrasound of affected joints
- Lipids, A1c, and liver enzymes for metabolic screening
Treatments your doctor may discuss
- Topical treatments such as steroid creams and vitamin D analogs
- Light therapy (phototherapy)
- Oral or biologic medicines for moderate to severe disease or arthritis
Supportive steps to discuss with your provider
- Moisturize every day.
- Cut back on alcohol and stop smoking.
- Losing weight, if you're overweight, can improve psoriasis.
- Build in stress management. Stress is a common flare trigger.
See a doctor promptly if you have
- Joint swelling or stiffness
- Redness covering most of your body, or pus-filled bumps with fever: get same-day care
- A red, painful eye
Related conditions
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.