Do you have red and white scaly patches on your skin?

Have you been feeling kind of tired lately?

These patches are signs of skin psoriasis, and the fatigue could be a sign you’re developing psoriatic arthritis on top of it!

But don’t worry:

There are many effective ways to deal with it, and we’ve got 7 of the best natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis so you can avoid taxing your body with extra medications.

But first…

What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis tends to occur in those individuals with psoriasis, or those with a family history of the disease. This doesn’t always mean you’ll have one with the other, however.  You might experience a severe case of psoriasis accompanied by a mild case of psoriatic arthritis or vice versa.

The symptoms come and go just like other autoimmune disorders.  It combines the swollen and inflamed joints of arthritis with the itchy patches of skin-not a fun combination!

To diagnose and differentiate psoriatic arthritis from similar types of diseases like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, a blood test or skin biopsy may be needed. This will help your doctor determine the best treatment plan for you.

Here’s an overview of the three major types of psoriatic arthritis your rheumatologist will check for:

• Spondylitis: inflammation of the spinal column that causes stiffness in the neck and lower back making movement painful.
• Enthesitis: inflammation of the site where ligaments and tendons insert into bones like at the bottom of your feet, the Achilles’ tendon, or pelvis.  This condition is unique to psoriatic arthritis and causes the tendons to become more ropey or solid.
• Dactylitis: inflammation of fingers or toes caused by small joint and entheses inflammation.  It’s unique to psoriatic arthritis in that it happens to random digits asymmetrically.  

Your doctor will also classify your psoriatic arthritis as either oligoarticular (mild arthritis affecting 4 joints or fewer) or polyarticular (severe arthritis affecting four or more joints).

The symptoms flare up and subside just like with other these related autoimmune diseases and include:

• Swollen Joints in Fingers and Toes-With Dactylitis, they can look like hot dogs!
• Swollen and Irritated Joints-Just like in rheumatoid arthritis.
• Weakened Finger and Toenails
• Fatigue-While tough to use as a defining factor on its own, the body undergoes excessive stress when trying to cope with an inflammatory condition like psoriatic arthritis.

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, however, psoriatic arthritis is not a symmetrical disease:

It can affect any number of joints on either side of the body.

But pain and inflammation does worsen over time, and permanent damage can be done to the joints if left untreated.

That’s why we’ve got these natural treatments you can start using today to prevent complications!

Green Lipped Mussel Oil    

Maybe we’re a bit biased, but that’s because we believe in the power of green lipped mussel oil to help soothe and heal aching joints and inflamed skin! In fact, so do the scientists:

Studies show supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids reduces lesions and scaling of the skin while improving the overall quality of life for those dealing with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Aloe Vera

You may be familiar with aloe vera creams and balms for cooling off your sunburn after a long day at the beach. Topical aloe vera oil soothes and heals irritated skin, which also results in significant reduction of psoriatic plaques.

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Used famously in Indian foods and as their cure-all for centuries, the golden spice turmeric contains curcumin, a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Add it to your favorite recipes or grab curcumin capsules for more concentrated doses.

Ginger Root

The protein complex NF-κB controls DNA transcription and cell survival and is linked to various diseases like arthritis and psoriasis. Ginger root is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and studies suggest it can reduce the elevated levels of NF-κB responsible in part for the burning lesions and achy joints!

Physical Activity

It doesn’t get any more natural than this! Getting some good ol’ fashioned exercise, whether it’s walking or tai chi, will help loosen up your joints and increase range of motion to help you reduce stiffness and pain associated with psoriatic arthritis.  It can also help you lose weight, which a systematic review in 2017 suggests can help you experience less inflammation and stress on your joints!

Try these natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis to keep you moving well and looking good!