If you have psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis may be something you should be aware of. Like the more well-known form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause chronic inflammation and joint pain. But many people don’t know what signs to look out for or even the connection between psoriasis and arthritis.

I wish I had known about the signs of psoriatic arthritis sooner, before it started to affect my daily life. It all started with a patch of red, scaly skin on my knee that wouldn’t go away. At first I thought it was just an isolated incident and tried to ignore it. But then the same patch began appearing on other parts of my body, eventually spreading up my legs and onto my arms. I was surprised because I had never experienced anything like this before.

After consulting with a doctor, I learned that the rash was a symptom of psoriasis. The next step was for me to get tested for psoriatic arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that often accompanies psoriasis. While I wasn’t sure what to expect, the truth was much harsher than I could have imagined: my test results revealed that I had developed a severe case of psoriatic arthritis.

At the time, I felt scared and overwhelmed. I had never even heard of this condition before and wasn’t sure what to do next. But thankfully, my doctor was able to provide me with a treatment plan that included a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

As I started to receive treatment for my psoriatic arthritis, I noticed some signs that could have alerted me to this condition much sooner. These signs include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. My joints were so painful that even the simplest tasks, such as carrying groceries or walking up stairs, was a struggle. I also began to experience fatigue, making it difficult to do everyday activities like getting dressed or showering.

If I had paid attention to these signs of psoriatic arthritis sooner, I could have taken action to manage the condition more quickly and effectively. Instead, it took me years before I finally sought help. Now, as a result of my own experience with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, I am committed to raising awareness about this condition and helping others who may be suffering from it.

If you or someone you know experiences any of these signs, I urge you to speak with a doctor right away. While living with psoriatic arthritis can be difficult, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get help now and take control of your condition. 

Psoriatic arthritis is a serious condition but with proper care, you can live a full and happy life. Don’t let psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis stop you from living the life you deserve. I wish I had seen the warning signs of psoriatic arthritis sooner, but now I’m committed to spreading awareness so that others don’t make the same mistake. Don’t wait like I did—take action today! 

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, talk to your doctor about getting tested and finding a treatment plan that works for you. With the right care, you can manage your condition and live life to the fullest. Don’t wait—take action now!