Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system, which normally protects us from infections, mistakenly turns against the body’s own tissues.
It begins to attack the joints, skin, nails, and sometimes even internal organs. This leads to:
Psoriatic arthritis can affect almost any part of the body:
In the Joints:
In the Skin:
In the Nails:
Typical signs and symptoms include:
Diagnosis is made by:
Psoriatic Arthritis is like a fire—if not treated early, it can spread rapidly, causing:
1. NSAIDs
2. Steroids
3. DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs)
Possible side effects:
Risk of infection – While there is a small risk of infection, the benefits of controlling the disease and preventing joint damage and skin disease far outweigh the risks. It is strongly advised to continue medication with proper monitoring by your doctor.
Patients are advised to:
4. Biologic & Targeted Therapies
If standard DMARDs do not work or if disease is moderate to severe, newer biologic injections or oral drugs may be used. Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate option. Screening for infections like TB or hepatitis is needed before starting.
Patients need TB and hepatitis screening before starting biologics – your doctor will do the necessary tests prior to commencing these.
Biologics are effective but more expensive – JAK inhibitors though expensive are cheaper than injectables
Because PsA affects joints and skin, treatment is usually shared:
Continue regular follow-up and discuss treatment changes with your doctors.
Patients planning pregnancy should discuss medications with their doctor. Methotrexate must be stopped at least 3 months before attempting to conceive.
