Question
6 or 7 weeks ago I became ill with shingles. From that the dermatologist said I developed plaque psoriasis under my breast. Since that outbreak which I still have – is being treated topically – I have also had an outbreak of the guttate kind all over the front of my body from below neck to below breasts and allover my back to bottom of spine. I have had two flareups of joint pain and swelling and also urinary infections. I think the guttate kind has finally stopped breaking out. It reached my wrists and stopped. ( also covers arms starting at top and working down. Should I be treated for this joint pain or ignore it and it will go away. I do not have nail involvement or bent joints.
Answer
Although only about 15-20% of all patients with skin psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can be destructive if not treated. I would see a rheumatologist.
