Signs your PsoriaSiblings are making themselves at home under your skin
Not everyone with plaque psoriasis (PsO) will develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For those that do, there are signs and symptoms to look out for and mention to your doctor if they appear.
What are the early signs and symptoms of PsA?
- Scalp psoriasis:
Scalp psoriasis is a type of PsO recognized as a specific risk factor that may be closely linked to developing PsA. The risk of PsA is nearly 4 times higher in people with PsO who have scalp lesions.
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling:
While these PsA symptoms can affect any joint, they are also noticeable in the fingers, toes, wrists, elbows, and lower back. Patients may feel worse stiffness in the morning, and it can last for more than 30 minutes.
- Changes in your nails:
It's important to pay attention to your fingernails and toenails—look for tiny pits (nail pitting), discoloration, or nails that seem to be lifting away from the nail bed as these may be early signs of the inflammation that may lead to PsA.
- Swollen fingers and toes:
Some people experience a "sausage-like" swelling of an entire finger or toe, which doctors call dactylitis.
- Pain in the heel or foot:
You might feel a distinct, sharp pain at the back of your heel or in the sole of your foot, especially when you first get up in the morning, which is caused by inflammation where the tissues connect to the bone in these areas.
What are the early signs and symptoms of IBD?
- Digestive issues that go beyond “normal”:
Sometimes people get used to their digestive issues over time, but having to use the bathroom many times a day, having cramping, or having persistent diarrhea are not typical and might be signs of something deeper.
- Persistent abdominal pain and urgency:
Beyond just frequency, urgent needs to use the restroom or abdominal pain that feels severe, sudden, or worsening and does not go away.
- Alarming symptoms:
Seeing blood in your stool or experiencing unexplained weight loss are serious signs that are important to discuss with your doctor immediately.
- Unexplained fatigue:
The systemic inflammation associated with IBD can cause fatigue.
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