guttate psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis?

[Dr Stephen Kownacki]

Psoriasis can be associated with all types of arthritis (about 30% of sufferers) I am always reluctant to ascribe pain to hormones or just age especially at the young age of only 50, although it may play a part in general aches. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by hot swollen joints and it is less common to start in the hips. Osteo -arthritis is more common
There are blood tests which can help to show whether there is inflammation and specific tests for rheumatoid although Psoriasis is usually negative even though the pattern of stiffness in the mornings for example is positive. Xrays are sometimes helpful also.
Please seek medical assessment first from your GP and if needed he or she may be able to get these tests done. Alternatively referral to a rheumatologist is another helpful step.
If it does tun out to be psoriasis related there are an increasing number of treatment options that are proving very helpful so do not despair.