Treating Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis Together: Your Options

How to Treat Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis at the Same Time

The following advice from doctors can help you manage both psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis:

Get educated. The more you know about these disorders and their possible treatments, the better you can manage your symptoms. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. If you see a different doctor for each condition, be sure each doctor has the contact information for the other and request that they communicate. Try to be aware of the possible side effects of the drugs you’re taking, and if you’re concerned you’re experiencing a side effect or negative reaction, speak with the appropriate doctor at the first sign of trouble.

Stick to your treatment plan. Be sure to take all medication as directed, and don’t discontinue any without talking with your doctor first, says Luk. If cost is an issue, check the drug manufacturer’s website for financial assistance options or ask your doctor if there’s a less expensive treatment you could try.

Speak with your pharmacist. Your pharmacist is a good resource if you have questions about medications, possible interactions, or would like more information about drug affordability programs.

Check in with your doctors. Know the time frame in which you should see some results after starting a new medication, and call your doctor if treatment isn’t helping or is calming one condition but causing the other to flare. Many medications may take months to work, while biologic DMARDs may take just a few weeks to start making a difference.

There are many treatment options for both psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, but it may take some trial and error to find the ones that work best for you.