Roughly 85–90% of people with PsA develop psoriasis first, often years before developing arthritis. Psoriasis causes inflamed, scaly patches of skin. It may also cause nail changes, such as pitting or ridges.
Psoriatic Arthritis Progression
skin or nail
symptoms
joint inflammation
enthesitis
Dactylitis
Structural joint
damage
More frequent
flares
skin or nail
symptoms
joint inflammation
enthesitis
Dactylitis
More frequent
flares
Structural joint
damage
PsA can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain in one or more joints. It most commonly affects joints in the fingers, wrists, ankles, and knees but may also affect other areas, such as the spine. It may affect more joints over time.
Enthesitis is also linked to changes in the nails, such as
pitting and separation from the nail bed. It can affect many people with PsA and may be an early sign of PsA progression.
Dactylitis causes sausage-like swelling of the fingers or toes. It may be a sign that PsA is damaging the joints.
Flares occur when symptoms of PsA worsen. If flares become more frequent or severe, it may be a sign that PsA is progressing. A doctor may recommend a change in treatment.
Chronic joint inflammation can cause lasting damage to cartilage and bones, especially without treatment. It may cause bone breakdown, abnormal bone growth, or other changes, which can increase pain and reduce mobility.
Enthesitis is inflammation where a ligament or tendon attaches to a bone. It can cause pain and swelling in
areas such as the heel, knee, or elbow.
