Early initiation of treatment in Psoriatic Arthritis is crucial to stop disease progression and to thereby improve the overall quality of life.[1]
Dermatologists or skin specialists clearly play a very important role in the early detection of Psoriatic Arthritis. Some Dermatologists may treat Psoriatic Arthritis, while others may refer Psoriatic Arthritis patients to the care of a Rheumatologist[2] (a doctor who specialises in the treatment of rheumatic diseases like arthritis or autoimmune diseases).[3] Co-ordination of care between Dermatologist and Rheumatologist may help ensure that the multifaceted symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis are addressed.[2]
Guidelines to treat Psoriatic Arthritis recommend approaches that are specific to each individual. These approaches are called ‘treat-to-target’ which is based on your treatment goals.[4]
The goal of treating Psoriatic Arthritis is to improve skin symptoms and joint inflammation. It is important that you partner with your doctor to select the treatment best suited for your needs.[4]
Treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis
Your typical treatment plan may include one or more of the following:[4]
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Help reduce joint pain and swelling.
- Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Help reduce inflammation and prevent further joint damage. They also help reduce skin symptoms.
- Biologics: These target certain parts of the immune system and thus reduce both joint and skin symptoms and may help delay the progression of structural damage to the joints.[4][5]
Certain DMARDs and biologics are known to manage symptoms of skin and joints, ensuring much needed relief and better quality of life.[4] In addition, your Dermatologist may also prescribe topical creams or lotions to help deal with skin symptoms especially the itchy skin and rash.
Choosing the right treatment strategy will help you manage your symptoms better.
Talk to your Dermatologist about biologics for clear* skin
*No plaque elevation, erythema or scaling, hyperpigmentation maybe present.
References
- Haroon M, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2014;0:1–6. DOI:10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204858.
- Rodriguez T. How Dermatologists Can Help Address Gaps in the Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis. Available [Online] at: https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/home/topics/spondyloarthritis/how-dermatologists-can-help-address-gaps-in-the-diagnosis-of-psoriatic-arthritis/Accessed on 3 July 2020.
- net. Medical Definition of Rheumatologist. Available [Online] at: https://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=11968Accessed on 3 July 2020.
- Everything You Need to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis. Available [Online] at: https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriatic-arthritisAccessed on 2 July 2020.
- Kavanaugh A, et al. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017 Mar;69(3):347-355.
P3 Code: UP/Pso/103971/18/11/20