Hi Nancy, I’ve never had psoriasis, but was recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. All my labs and genetic marker are consistent with the diagnosis. My mother had psoriasis, and she had arthritis. No idea if she had psoriatic arthritis but I’m guessing she did. Seems I’ve inherited psoriatic arthritis from her. I’ve been asymptomatic, until now at the age of 70!

There's a switch, my Dr kept asking me. I said I don't know, I don't if I have psoriasis. I had skin issues happening but it did not for a long time look like psoriasis, and before that I had hives and blisters. I am on my 2nd med for the psoriasis, first I took Otezla and didn't make it through the starter pack. Sick to my stomach. Started cosentyx and it's working. No side effects yet.

I am in this exact situation right now. But thankfully my rheumatologist knew exactly what was happening and diagnosed me with PsA right away. No signs of psoriasis anywhere. He explained what it is and my life all made so much sense. Now we are working on a treatment plan.

I also was diagnosed with sero-negative RA, when in reality it was Psoriatic Arthritis, because I didn't have a family history or noticable symptoms of Psoriasis. I had a very stubborn rheumatologist who wouldn't give me anything stronger than hydroxycloroquine. I had several second opinions and found a good rheumatologist who said it was probably some kind of inflammatory arthritis. After 2 years of extreme pain in ankles/fingers/wrists and loads of frustration, psoriasis decided to finally show up! I went to a dermatologist and finally got diagnosed with PsA! At that point I suddenly realized that I had had Psoriasis as a teenager and occasionally in my 30s, but no doctor ever diagnosed it. So yes, 15% of PsA patients have the arthritis without visible Psoriasis, but my guess is unless they get adequate treatment the Psoriasis will eventually erupt. I have to thank my Psoriasis for finally getting me an accurate diagnosis.

Hi Nancy,
I have PA but like you, thankful I do not have psoriasis. I was tested for RA, negative but my dermatologist looked at my fingers and listened to me about joint pain and diagnosed me with PA. I was on Skyrizi, it did not help much. I am now on Xeljanz and celebrex. I have had relief but after being on this for 4 months I have just developed hip pain and some heel swelling.