Methotrexate, TNF inhibitors benefit psoriatic arthritis patients

Dermatologists should become familiar with both methotrexate and TNF-inhibiting biologic agents to treat the skin and joints because they are often able to diagnose psoriatic arthritis before rheumatologists, Bruce E. Strober, M.D., Ph.D., said yesterday in his presentation on "Psoriatic Arthritis: Diagnosis and Management."

Dr. Strober explains that the majority of patients who become afflicted with psoriatic arthritis first present with psoriasis, and not all of the therapies for psoriasis effectively treat psoriatic arthritis. The use of methotrexate and TNF agents can significantly improve a patient's quality of life, he says.