Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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RA induced psoriasis?

nomorera
nomorera
I think I have psoriasis on my right shoulder blade. I am taking MTX and jsut started Humira both of which I thought were used to treat psoriasis. I assume the RA has induced this condition but I am puzzled. Anyone have any insight? I searched "psoriiasis" on the search at the top of the page but I wasn't too successful in finding out anything. Could the meds cause psoriasis instead of combat it? HELP!!!

thanks
ILoveHuskies
ILoveHuskies
I would not doubt it. I take Enbrel and that can cause you to develop Lupus symptons. Maybe it's an allergic reaction to Humira and MTX taken at the same time. I would call you Rheumy on Monday
nomorera
nomorera
Good idea. I hate calling them again! It doesn't look serious. I will keep an eye on it and use lotion and see if maybe it clears up a little in the next week. The air here is really dry due to the temp so maybe if I keep it moisturized I can keep it under control.
bcatz
bcatz
Do you think it's eczema instead?
If you think it's acquired and the humira is working well for you, ask your doc about dropping the mtx now.
HandedGuy
HandedGuy
I developed psoriatic symptoms a few years after my diagnosis and chalked it up to a mild reaction to the drugs. At this time, however, I've been fortunate enough to stay off the meds and, guess what; I've been experiencing the most psoriasis ever. So, it's got to be the RA. My rheumy told me that I may have psoriatic RA and not to be too concerned with it so long as the symptoms don't get too advanced since Ps RA is treated exactly the same as "regular" RA.
Hope this helps.
ILoveHuskies
ILoveHuskies
nomorera,
Have you been in the sun? When you use a biologic and MTX you can't go into the sun. They will develop an itchy rash on you skin. I read that most of the RA meds MTX and biologics can put you at a 50% higher risk for skin cancer.
altoclef
altoclef
Are you sure it's psoriasis? Psoriasis often starts on the knees or elbows, and it's quite distinctive-looking. (I've had it for ages.) While psoriatic arthritis usually starts after the skin symptoms, "usually" is the key word. I don't remember: do you have a definitive RA diagnosis? If not, it's possible you actually have PsA and the skin stuff just waited this long to show up.