Health Centraal speaks to Charis F. Meng, MD, rheumatologist at HSS about the biggest myths about psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can be notoriously difficult to manage, since you’re essentially battling two diseases (psoriasis and arthritis) at once. On the other hand, there are more treatment options than ever to help you succeed at doing that. Another challenge? All of the different treatment protocols can create confusion—and even some untruths about what works, or doesn’t, in treating PsA. 

Feeling better is no excuse for stopping your meds. “Most patients with psoriatic arthritis do best on treatment indefinitely—this is because psoriatic arthritis is a chronic systemic inflammatory condition,” explained Dr. Meng. “Many patients who stop their treatment may experience a disease flare up that puts them at risk for joint damage.” Dr. Meng added that a minority of patients who have their psoriatic arthritis well-controlled for a long time may be able to safely taper their medications under medical supervision.

Read the full article at healthcentral.com.