Psoriatic Arthritis
An inflammatory joint disease that can accompany psoriasis, with joint pain, morning stiffness and sausage-like swelling of the digits; early diagnosis prevents lasting damage.
Clinic and treatment images
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Do you recognise these signs?
If one or more of these applies to you, we recommend a dermatological assessment.
- Joint pain, swelling and marked morning stiffness lasting over thirty minutes
- Swelling of a whole digit into a sausage-like shape, known as dactylitis
- Pain and tenderness where tendons attach at the heel and elsewhere (enthesitis)
- Frequent coexistence with the nail pitting and skin plaques of psoriasis
Causes and triggers
- A shared immune process with psoriasis inflaming the joints and the tendons
- Genetic susceptibility and rising risk with the duration of skin disease
- Obesity, smoking and mechanical strain that add extra load to the joints
- Infection and stress that can trigger and inflame the inflammatory attacks
How we treat it
Joint examination alongside skin assessment and early rheumatology referral
Tracking skin and joint burden with PASI, DLQI and joint findings together
Aligning the cortisone-free skin protocol with joint-directed systemic therapy
Considering biologic agents effective on both skin and joints where appropriate
Why Clinovia?
Psoriasis and eczema are not only a surface problem. We assess the skin barrier, inflammation, nutrition and lifestyle, comorbidities and dermatological treatment together. Evidence-based dermatology remains the backbone; nutrition and lifestyle support that plan.
The Gut–Skin Relationship
We review digestive symptoms, dietary pattern and food-sensitivity history. The link between gut microbiome and inflammatory skin disease is still being researched, so it is addressed alongside — never instead of — dermatological treatment.
Cortisone-Free Protocol
First-line calcineurin and PDE-4 inhibitors, ceramide-based barrier repair and phototherapy instead of steroids; systemic and biologic steps when needed.
Systemic Repair
Vitamin D, zinc, omega-3 and iron levels plus thyroid and insulin resistance are screened, and any deficits found are built into the plan.
Measurable Follow-up
PASI/EASI and DLQI scores are tracked alongside laboratory values; steps that do not deliver a response are removed from the plan.
Not every joint pain is psoriatic arthritis, but in someone with psoriasis persistent pain, swelling, morning stiffness lasting over half an hour or a sausage-like digit is a warning. These findings are assessed and, where needed, the diagnosis is confirmed with rheumatology. Early diagnosis matters.
Because uncontrolled inflammation can leave permanent joint damage and loss of function over time. Early diagnosis and appropriate systemic therapy help to prevent this damage. That is why, alongside skin follow-up, we ask about joint symptoms and refer to rheumatology when indicated.
Yes. For infant eczema and paediatric psoriasis we use age-appropriate topical stepping, a moisturising routine and, when indicated, paediatric phototherapy dosing.
Our standard protocols are cortisone-free. We work with topical calcineurin inhibitors, PDE-4 inhibitors, ceramide-based barrier repair, NB-UVB phototherapy and biologic agents when needed. Cortisone is considered only for very short, unavoidable situations and with the patient's consent.
Other conditions
Plaque PsoriasisThe most common form of psoriasis; it presents with well-defined, thickened plaques topped by silvery scale on the elbows, knees and trunk, often with itch.
Learn more
Guttate PsoriasisAn abrupt-onset form that often follows a throat infection, marked by numerous small, teardrop-shaped, lightly scaled plaques scattered across the trunk and arms.
Learn more
Scalp PsoriasisA stubborn form affecting the scalp, hairline and area behind the ears with thick, adherent scale; it often itches and can cause temporary hair shedding.
Learn more
NB-UVB PhototherapyNarrowband UVB at 311 nm calms inflammation in psoriasis and eczema without cortisone. Sessions run two to three times a week, with a typical course of 20–30 and PASI/EASI tracking.
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Biologic TreatmentsBiologic drugs selectively block targets such as IL-17 and IL-23 in psoriasis and IL-4/13 in eczema. They are considered in moderate-to-severe, resistant disease after screening.
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Systemic TherapySystemic drugs such as methotrexate, cyclosporine and acitretin are used in widespread or resistant psoriasis and eczema, alongside laboratory and safety monitoring.
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Let's build the right plan for your skin today
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- Written treatment plan
- Defterdar, Fethi Çelebi Cd. No:15, 34050 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Mon–Sat: 09:00 – 19:00