The severe skin issues that accompany the body aches and pain.

I am a brand new member and thankful that I found this forum to see what others are going through and to have a place to share my own symptoms and feelings with others that understand. I began approximately 10 years ago with what I thought must be dishydrotic eczema on my hands. I am a registered nurse, now retired. Many nurses are guilty of “self diagnosing." I also would get terrible lower back pain for no apparent reason other than I attributed it to pulling on patients and the general physical hard work of being a nurse and on your feet for 12 hours and worked night shift.

Searching for a diagnosis

It was not until 2022 that I consulted a dermatologist when my feet became affected and the blisters and scaling on my hands were worsening and she agreed with my diagnosis of dyshidrotic eczema. It had all the hallmark appearance of that. Water blisters on my palms, between my fingers and around fingernails. On my feet it started around the sides and heels - where the edge of your shoes would be. Meanwhile, I consulted my primary care physician concerning the pain in my lower back and right hip. He ordered MRI of my lower back and did a lot of bloodwork. My bloodwork came back with a positive rheumatoid factor and I was referred to a rheumatologist. Also the MRI showed moderate spinal stenosis and consulted with a neurosurgeon.

Meanwhile, I had a subsequent dermatology visit, and at this point, I had lesions on my arms and lower legs that looked like ringworm. She biopsied an area on my arm and it came back as psoriasis and not dishydrotic eczema. Initially, the dermatologist prescribed steroid ointment only. I am now on my third biologic. Currently, on Tremfya.

Finding treatment for psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis

My rheumatologist did multiple X-rays of all my joints. He diagnosed me with PsA rather than rheumatoid based on X-ray findings. He advised that he agrees with the biologic, but none of the 3 have seemed to help. The next step is adding methotrexate. My psoriasis lesions continue worsen. I am fixin to lose both big toenails. It is in my scalp and almost have a bald spot. I have pustular plaque Psa, that apparently is rare to have. I have, within the past 2 weeks, had to start taking a mild narcotic as needed, in addition to anti-inflammatory meds.

In general, I am more miserable with my skin issues now that I can control my body pain. It's a mess. So tired of the fatigue, soreness and stiffness. And my skin is either itching terribly or is cracked and bleeding. A long story, I know, but this is my story. I have follow- up appointments with rheumatologist and dermatologist. We shall see what the next step is. I don’t know anyone that has this condition and happy to have someone to talk with about it on this forum. All of you out there definitely have my empathy. Sincerely, good luck to you all.