Psoriatic arthritis and covid vaccine

Hiphoplil

Hello, I am 75, 3rd covid jab was in Dec. I recently noticed psoriasis skin patch on one elbow (new to me but my mother had one in the same place) because the elbow was painful. My nails are also disintegrating. I have had osteoarthritis for years but lately my hands, finger and toe joints have become painful from time to time and more distortion is apparent. I heard something about the covid vaccine causing psoriasis and joined the PsA facebook page - a good place for info/help. It seems there are people with PsA who found the vaccine affected or introduced PsA. I haven't been to my GP yet as I don't have any faith in them but I am wondering whether I should have the 4th vaccine. My sister has RA and had to stop her meds before the vaccine but I don't take any strong meds. Any comments would be gratefully received.

PeterJ

Hi @Hiphoplil have a look at the following from our website

https://www.versusarthritis.org/covid-19-updates/vaccines-for-covid-19-your-questions-answered/

Hiphoplil

Thanks for that Peter. I've read the piece but still feel that if the covid vaccine boosts the recipient's immune system and psoriasis is a result of an overactive immune system I shouldn't have another jab. I've never had psoriasis until recently and as I can't see the back of my elbow I don't know how long it's been lurking. I should say I have not been diagnosed with PsA but my current symptoms lead me to think it's a distinct possibility. At 75 I'm not that concerned but I don't want to aggravate anything that's already there. Thanks again, one day I'll pluck up courage to go to my GP but even if the GP is interested it will be so long before I get to see a specialist etc etc.

sunnyside2

I have psoriasis and do get it pretty bad, nails, elbows, scalp, and plenty of other areas. I also have osteo arthritis - it is believed my arthritis is not psoriasis arthritis (rheumatogist thought not) multiple joints hurt and its not nice. I have had 3 covid jabs and I do not think it has made a bit of difference to my psoriasis. nor do I think its made any odds to the osteo. its no better and no worse.

If I were in the vulnerable age group advised to take a 4th jab I would take it. My Grandparents caught covid last year and it came close to killing them both and both have been left with disabling after effects.

Have you considered changing GP if he/she is not helpful? Gps can vary a lot - maybe time for a change?

stickywicket

What a nasy predicament! With your family history it does sound as if PsA is a possibility and, yes, if you look on our Coronavirus forum (a subdivision of the Living with Arthritis one) we do have people who feel their inflammatory arthritis of any kind has flared after covid jabs or, indeed, rocked up as a result. Personally, as a long term RA patient and long term DMARD taker, I've had no problems with any of my 4 jabs - two AZ and two Pfizer. I don't envy you your choices but do wish you good luck with them.

Hiphoplil

Thanks for your advice Sunnyside2 and Stickywicket. I shall have to go to the GP surgery (it's close to home which is why I haven't changed). As I haven't had (or not known about it) psoriasis before, I just thought that it could be that the immune system boosting jab is be to blame.