Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis (joint inflammation) that occurs in some people with the skin condition psoriasis. In mild cases, only a few joints are affected, often those at the ends of the fingers or toes.
In severe cases, many joints are involved, including those of the spine.
Often, the symptoms—joint pain, swelling, and stiffness—flare up at the same time as those of psoriasis. Untreated, psoriatic arthritis may lead to permanent joint damage.
Treatment may involve nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids to reduce pain and inflammation, and medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs to slow the progress of the condition.