Effects of psoriatic arthritis

The different effects of psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or psoriasis might affect different parts of your body, sometimes at different times.1,2 Take a look below for more information, including the different parts of the body that can be affected and how PsA can appear.

Scalp

scalp

Areas affected

scalp

Plaque psoriasis

Plaque PsO can develop before, during or after PsA3 and causes itchy, painful plaques that usually affect the knees, elbows, trunk, scalp, behind the ears, navel, and between the buttocks.4-6 You may have a few, spaced-out plaques, or they can join together to form larger plaques.6

Nails

nails

Areas affected

nails

Nail psoriasis

Psoriasis can cause changes to the nails, such as pitting (deep to shallow holes) or ridges (lines running from the nail bed to the end), crumbling, and the ‘oil drop sign’ – a salmon pink discoloration of the nail bed.6-7 If you have nail psoriasis, you are more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis.3


Hands

hands

Areas affected

hands

Dactylitis

When PsA affects the joints and tendons in the fingers and toes, it’s called dactylitis [pronounced dack-till-eye-tis].8 It can give fingers and toes a ‘sausage’ like appearance, which can make them difficult to use and might affect the way you live your life.8,9


Feet

feet

Areas affected

feet

Enthesitis

When PsA affects the part of the body where the ligaments or tendons meet the bones, it’s called enthesitis [pronounced enth-ess-eye-tis].9 It can be painful, and if it affects your feet, especially near the heel, it can make it difficult to walk.9

Joints

knees

Areas affected

knees

Peripheral arthritis

When PsA affects the joints of your arms and legs, like knees, elbows, wrists, hands and feet, it’s called peripheral arthritis.10 People with peripheral arthritis are more likely to develop dactylitis and enthesitis.10


Back

back

Areas affected

back

Spondylitis

Spondylitis [pronounced spon-dill-eye-tiss] is inflammation of the spinal column and can affect the neck, lower back and hips, causing pain and discomfort.11

Want to find out more about PsO?

Explore a website dedicated to psoriasis, including information about treatments.

If you have PsA (psoriatic arthritis) or PsO (psoriasis) and you have any questions or concerns about how you’re feeling, be sure to speak to your healthcare professional. We’ve put together some tips for making the most of each appointment.

You may be interested in:

Dealing with symptoms

Advice about dealing with the main PsA symptoms.

Want to print and keep information?

We have a few added extras for you to download.

How to meet people with PsA

You’re not alone – there are other patients with psoriatic arthritis, just like you out there.

  1. Creakyjoints. Psoriatic arthritis flare-ups. Available at: https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-flare-ups/. Accessed: November 2023.
  2. National Psoriasis Foundation. About psoriatic arthritis. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis. Accessed: November 2023.
  3. Ritchlin CT, et al. N Engl J Med 2017;376:957-970
  4. NHS. Psoriasis: symptoms. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/symptoms/. Accessed: November 2023.
  5. British Association of Dermatologists patient hub; Psoriasis: an overview. Available at: https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/condition/psoriasis/. Accessed: November 2023.
  6. DermNet NZ. Nail psoriasis. Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/nail-psoriasis/. Accessed: November 2023.
  7. Creakyjoints. What is dactylitis? Available at: https://creakyjoints.org/symptoms/what-is-dactylitis/. Accessed: November 2023.
  8. Creakyjoints. What is enthesitis? Available at: https://creakyjoints.org/symptoms/what-is-enthesitis/ Accessed: November 2023.
  9. Creakyjoints. The different types of psoriatic arthritis. Available at: https://creakyjoints.org/symptoms/psoriatic-arthritis-types/. Accessed: November 2023.
  10. National Psoriasis Foundation. Classification of psoriatic arthritis. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis/classification-of-psoriatic-arthritis. Accessed: November 2023.