In his statement, Dr. Murat Yiğit, Assistant Professor at the Department of Rheumatology of PAU Hospitals, said:

“Although psoriasis is generally recognized in society by redness and scaling of the skin, it is not a disease that affects only the skin. Associated with changes in the immune system, this disease can also cause inflammation in the joints in some individuals. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis. It is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease that can affect the joints, spine, and areas where tendons attach to bones.

“Scientific studies show that approximately one in five people with psoriasis develops psoriatic arthritis. This rate may vary across different patient groups. Raising awareness is of great importance for the early recognition of the disease and reducing the risk of permanent joint damage.

“Patients with psoriatic arthritis may experience joint pain, swelling, limited mobility, and stiffness, particularly in the mornings. Prolonged morning stiffness, symptoms that worsen with inactivity and ease with movement are among the important signs of inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Swelling of an entire finger or toe, giving it a ‘sausage digit’ appearance, heel pain, and prolonged stiffness in the lower back and back may also be warning signs of the disease. Changes in the nails, such as small pits, thickening, or separation of the nail from its bed, should also be carefully evaluated.

“An important point is that mild psoriasis on the skin does not necessarily mean that joint disease will also be mild. In some patients, joint inflammation may develop even without prominent skin symptoms. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical in preventing disease progression and reducing the risk of permanent joint damage. Therefore, individuals with psoriasis are advised to take newly emerging joint complaints seriously and consult a rheumatology specialist when necessary.

“Obesity has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. Among individuals who already have the disease, it is also associated with higher disease activity and a lower likelihood of achieving treatment targets. Therefore, maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and keeping other health conditions under control can contribute to overall health while also supporting better management of psoriatic arthritis.

“A successful treatment approach to psoriatic arthritis should encompass not only the control of joint inflammation but also the protection of the individual's overall health.”

Assistant Professor Dr. Murat Yiğit: “An Active and Healthy Life Is Possible with Current Treatments”

Emphasizing that significant advances have been made in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in recent years, and that biological and targeted therapies, in addition to conventional disease-modifying drugs, have made it possible to control the disease and achieve low disease activity or remission in many patients, Dr. Murat Yiğit, Assistant Professor, continued:

“The primary goal of treatment is not merely to reduce pain, but to control inflammation, prevent permanent joint damage, and enable patients to maintain their daily lives with as few limitations as possible. Treatment should be planned according to each patient's joint and skin involvement, accompanying conditions, and individual needs. It is important not to discontinue medications without a physician's recommendation and to continue regular rheumatology follow-ups.

“In addition to medication, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, quitting smoking, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in exercise appropriate to one's physical condition also contribute to disease management.

“World Psoriasis Day is an important opportunity not only to raise public awareness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis but also to better understand the physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by individuals living with these conditions.

“Remember, if you have psoriatic arthritis, take care of your overall health, not just your joints. With early diagnosis, personalized treatment, healthy lifestyle habits, and regular health check-ups, it is possible to reduce the adverse effects of psoriatic arthritis and maintain quality of life.”