When psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that develops in people with psoriasis. Also known as PsA, it doesn’t just hurt your joints—it can change how you move, work, and live. If you have scaly, red patches on your skin from psoriasis and now your fingers, knees, or spine feel stiff and swollen, you’re not alone. About 30% of people with psoriasis eventually develop this condition. It’s not just aging or wear and tear. This is an autoimmune disease, meaning your body’s own immune system attacks healthy tissue—both skin and joints.
What makes psoriatic arthritis tricky is how it shows up differently in everyone. Some get swollen fingers that look like sausages. Others feel lower back pain that mimics a herniated disc. And for some, the joint damage comes before the skin rash even appears. It’s linked to other conditions too—like eye inflammation (uveitis), fatigue that doesn’t go away, and even nail changes like pitting or separation from the nail bed. These aren’t random side effects. They’re signals your immune system is on fire. And while there’s no cure, treatments exist to slow it down. Things like biologics, DMARDs, and even lifestyle changes can make a real difference.
Many of the posts below focus on how medications interact, how dosing changes with age or kidney function, and when generics might not work the same as brand names. All of that matters if you’re managing psoriatic arthritis. You might be taking methotrexate, adalimumab, or sulfasalazine. Each has risks, side effects, and possible drug clashes. For example, if you’re on a blood thinner or have kidney issues, your doctor might need to adjust your dose. And if you’ve switched to a generic version and suddenly feel worse, you’re not imagining it—some people do. These aren’t just medical details. They’re daily realities for people living with this condition.
What you’ll find here isn’t theory. It’s real advice from people who’ve been there. You’ll see how to spot warning signs after switching meds, how to avoid dangerous interactions with common drugs like NSAIDs or antibiotics, and how to talk to your pharmacist about what’s really working. This isn’t about guessing. It’s about knowing what to ask, what to watch for, and how to take control before the pain takes over.
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects both skin and joints, often developing in people with psoriasis. Learn how it's diagnosed, treated, and why early intervention prevents permanent damage.