Is psoriatic arthritis a hereditary condition?

Question

Hello doctor,

My husband is 39-year-old, and he has psoriatic arthritis. It is getting worse. He has always been active, but now he can barely get out of bed some days. His skin is so bad that he is embarrassed to go out. The medications help a bit, but he hates the side effects. We have tried dietary changes, supplements, and even acupuncture, but nothing seems to work well. Are there any new treatments? Also, we want to have a baby. Is conceiving safe with his condition and medications? What about passing it on to our kids?

Kindly guide us.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

I am sorry to hear about your husband's struggles with psoriatic arthritis. It can be really challenging, especially when existing treatments are not providing enough relief. There are newer treatments available, such as biologics and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which may help if traditional medications are not effective. It is important for him to discuss these options with his rheumatologist.

Regarding having a baby, many people with psoriatic arthritis successfully conceive and have healthy pregnancies. However, it is crucial to talk to his doctor about the safety of his current medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some medications may need to be adjusted or stopped.

As for the risk of passing psoriatic arthritis to children, there is a genetic component, but many factors influence whether it develops. It is worth discussing these concerns with a healthcare provider who can provide tailored advice and support.

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.