Psoriasis (PsO) is a disorder of the immune system that affects the skin causing scaly, reddish skin rash that usually appears on the elbows, shins and scalp. The nails may appear thickened, rugged and cloudy. Traditionally, PsO is managed by Dermatologists.
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a disorder of the immune system that affects the skin and joints, causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling and deformity. Traditionally, Psoriatic Arthritis is managed by Rheumatologists.
Both of these conditions occur because the immune system attacks its own body instead of other foreign bodies. Around a third of people who have psoriasis will get psoriatic arthritis.
The SGH Psoriatic Arthritis/Psoriasis combined clinic programme specialises in the evaluation and care of patients with both Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis and related conditions. Patients in the combined Psoriatic Arthritis/Psoriasis clinic are seen by a Rheumatologist together with a Dermatologist. Our goals are to provide excellent and holistic clinical care, and to advance understanding on the cause of disease and best treatment strategies for both Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis.
Due to the complexity of Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis, patients are seen at subspecialty clinics where patients will benefit from expert care and achieve better outcomes. The combined Psoriatic Arthritis/Psoriasis clinic will also allow patient to consult the doctors from both speciality at the same session, facilitating early diagnosis of condition, and coordinated care plan recommended by both specialties.
Rheumatologists
Dermatologists
Other members of the Psoriatic Arthritis/Psoriasis combined clinic programme include the Rheumatology nurses, Rheumatology pharmacists, and research coordinators who assist in the care of our patients
Both Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis are treatable diseases. Although advances in medicine have made a difference to the lives of patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis, there are still unmet needs and room for improvement in care.
Detecting Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis at an early stage and providing timely and appropriate treatment is crucial. However, identifying the characteristics of patients who would benefit from aggressive treatment at an early stage remains unclear. Therefore, it is essential to optimise the benefits of treatment and minimize the side-effects of medication for each individual. Furthermore, not all patients respond well to all existing treatments. Research is therefore necessary to continue to discover new treatments and improve the care of patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis.
We hope to make a difference in the lives of patients through research. The clinician researchers and scientists at SGH lead a nation-wide Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis research network and have built a database to allow analysis of clinical data, as well as blood and other tissue samples from patients who have chosen to participate. The team also leads and collaborates with renowned local and international academic institutions, and industry to accelerate discoveries and uncover new cures for Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis.
Find out more on our research in Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis here >
