Psoriatic Arthritis and the Skin

Psoriasis may cause areas of dry, scaly, inflamed skin, often on the scalp, elbows, knees, or other sites. Nail changes such as pitting, separation, or thickening can also occur. Joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness may be present with or without an obvious skin flare.

Skin appearance alone cannot establish whether joint symptoms are psoriatic arthritis. A rheumatology or dermatology assessment considers the timing of skin and joint changes, nail findings, family history, and the pattern of inflammation. Mention every symptom, including scalp irritation or nail changes, even if it seems unrelated.

Apply a fragrance-free moisturiser regularly, especially after bathing, and use gentle products that do not sting or dry the skin. Keep nails short and avoid scratching or picking plaques, since broken skin can become irritated. Note new patches, changes in nails, joint swelling, and stiffness in a diary or phone note.

Use skin and joint treatments as prescribed and tell your clinician if a product burns, causes a rash, or is difficult to use. Physiotherapy can address movement limits from joint disease, while skin treatment should be guided by a qualified clinician.

Arrange review if skin lesions spread, crack, bleed, become painful, or do not improve with the advised plan, or if joint pain and stiffness begin or increase. Seek prompt care for rapidly worsening redness with warmth, pus, fever, a painful red eye with light sensitivity, or sudden severe joint swelling.

Ask whether your skin and joint symptoms may be related, which moisturisers or treatments suit you, whether nail changes need examination, and how joint symptoms should be monitored.