Q:
What’s the difference between psoriatic arthritis and lupus?
A:
Sometimes people mistake the two conditions. Because lupus and psoriasis are both chronic autoimmune conditions and have some key similarities such as
- pain and swelling in your joints
- fatigue
However, there are some key ways to tell them apart though the other symptoms.
| Psoriatic arthritis | Lupus |
| Scaly patches on your skin that flake | A rash shaped like a butterfly that covers your nose and cheeks |
| Swelling in your hands, feet, or legs | Pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints |
| Fever | |
| Foot pain, often at the bottom or the heel | Sensitivity to sun or light that causes skin lesions |
| Severe swelling in fingers or toes; pitted or discolored nails | White or blue color in your fingers and toes when you’re in the cold or feel stressed |
| Pain in your lower back | Headaches or chest pain |
| Hair loss |
Whether you have lupus or psoriatic arthritis, work with your doctor to find the right treatments for you. There are many medicines, lifestyle changes and therapies to get relief.
Keywords: psoriatic arthritis lupus
