Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is PsA?StressIllnessSkin TraumaDrug InteractionsAlcohol/CigarettesDietCold/Dry WeatherSymptomsTreatmentsNo Known Cure
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is PsA?
Stress
Illness
Skin Trauma
Drug Interactions
Alcohol/Cigarettes
Diet
Cold/Dry Weather
Symptoms
Treatments
No Known Cure
Researchers know thatpsoriatic arthritisflares when the immune system becomes overactive and creates inflammation, leading to pain and swelling. They just don’t knowwhyit becomes overactive.
This article describes the eight primary triggers of psoriatic arthritis. It also explains how the symptoms and treatment options can vary.
Psoriasis Is CommonPsoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated diseases that afflict adults in the United States.
Psoriasis Is Common
Psoriasis is one of the most common immune-mediated diseases that afflict adults in the United States.
What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis(PsA) primarily affects people withpsoriasis, an inflammatory condition in which skin cells first build up quickly and then turn to scales. The scales are usually whitish-silver before they turn into thick, red patches. Mostpeople with PsA are diagnosed with psoriasisfirst, but it’s possible to have joint symptoms before skin lesions occur.
Psoriatic arthritis often appears in people when they are between the ages of 30 and 50 and about 10 years after they develop psoriasis. However, some people develop PsA without ever developing or noticingpsoriasis.
When severe, PsA can affect the fingers, toes, and spine. Both psoriasis and PsA are known for flare-ups—periods of high activity—and periods of remission, where symptoms are mild or mostly absent.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
Understanding Triggers
Thecauses of psoriasis and PsAare unknown. Researchers think a combination of genes and exposure to external triggers cause people to develop PsA. About 40% of people with PsA have at least one close family member with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
Many people with psoriasis will go on to develop PsA. Still, having genetic risk factors does not mean someone will necessarily develop psoriasis or PsA. Some of the same external triggers are also responsible for disease flare-ups and worsening symptoms.
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Dealing with psoriasis skin symptoms can be stressful enough, and most people with PsA report skin outbreaks during stressful times. One United Kingdom study found that people with PsA were more prone to increases in joint pain, psoriasis plaques, and/or fatigue when dealing with the psychological aspects of the disease.
Certain illnesses, such as strep throat and the flu, can worsen symptoms in people with PsA.People with HIV and other conditions that compromise immune function can experience flare-ups of symptoms when the other conditions are not properly managed.
Give PsA the Big ChillStaying healthy over the winter can take a concerted effort. Some common sense steps include exercising, eating well, getting plenty of rest, and taking vitamins. Avoiding close contact with people who are ill ought to help, too.
Give PsA the Big Chill
Staying healthy over the winter can take a concerted effort. Some common sense steps include exercising, eating well, getting plenty of rest, and taking vitamins. Avoiding close contact with people who are ill ought to help, too.
Skin trauma includes bruises, cuts, scrapes, infections, sunburns, and tattoos.Skin trauma may also trigger joint symptoms. The link between injury and flares is related to abnormal inflammatory responses.
Certain medications, such as those for treating bipolar disorder, high blood pressure, heart disease, and malaria can trigger PsA symptoms. Drug interaction concerns should be discussed with a primary care physician.
Alcohol and Cigarette Smoke
Both alcohol and smoking can worsen PsA and psoriasis symptoms. Quitting smoking may help to clear skin and improve overall health.
Alcohol can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications for treating PsA. One study in theInternational Journal of Dermatologyconfirmed that alcohol can intensify psoriasis symptoms.This study also found an increase in alcohol-related deaths in people with psoriasis as compared to those without the condition.
Diet can either intensify PsA symptoms or improve them. Certain foods, including gluten, sugar, and processed foods, may act as PsA flare triggers.
There is also evidence that some foods can reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation-combating foods include omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish, olive oil, flaxseed and walnuts, and colorful vegetables loaded with high levels of antioxidants. This group includes carrots, spinach, kale, blueberries, and strawberries.
Food Fights InflammationHarvard Medical School says that “one of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy but from the grocery store.”
Food Fights Inflammation
Harvard Medical School says that “one of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy but from the grocery store.”
Cold and Dry Weather
Cold and dry weather can trigger PsA symptoms. At the same time, PsA pain, stiffness, and swelling may increase with cold, damp weather and barometric pressure changes.
While several studies have found a link between arthritis pain and changes in weather and barometric pressure, other researchers conclude there is no link between back pain and rain, temperature, humidity, or air pressure.The findings remain contradictory until more research can be done.
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis vary greatly from one person to another. The symptoms could include:
Risk Factors LurkFatigue isn’t the only possible complication of psoriatic arthritis. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity are other risk factors.
Risk Factors Lurk
Fatigue isn’t the only possible complication of psoriatic arthritis. Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity are other risk factors.
Treatment of psoriatic arthritis depends on a patient’s symptoms, age, and general health as well as the status of the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can help blunt joint damage. Some types of medication may help, too, including:
Other treatments may include:
TherapiesThe goal of physical therapy is to improve a patient’s ability to move their bodies and manage their pain. The goal of occupational therapy is to help a patient regain their ability to undertake day-to-day tasks on their own.
Therapies
The goal of physical therapy is to improve a patient’s ability to move their bodies and manage their pain. The goal of occupational therapy is to help a patient regain their ability to undertake day-to-day tasks on their own.
Treatment often becomes a high priority for people with PsA or psoriasis because there is no cure. The goal of treatment turns to slowing the progression of the disease, reducing pain, and protecting the joints.
PsA can cause complications and even disability if it’s not managed properly.
Activity MattersGood exercises for people with PsA include bicycling, swimming, walking, and yoga.
Activity Matters
Good exercises for people with PsA include bicycling, swimming, walking, and yoga.
Summary
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis in which skin cells first build up quickly and then turn to scales. The scales are usually whitish-silver before they turn into thick, red patches. Most people with PsA are diagnosed with psoriasis first. There are eight primary triggers of psoriatic arthritis: stress, illness, skin trauma, drug interactions, alcohol and cigarette smoke, diet, and dry and cold weather. Symptoms can vary widely, and so can treatment options. Since there is no cure for PsA, treatment often focuses on relieving pain and slowing the progression of the condition.
A Word From Verywell
The National Psoriasis Foundation calls psoriasis “a challenge, not a roadblock.“Adopting the right mindset about exercise can help make this statement more than a platitude. The foundation advises against overdoing it or trying to go for “Olympic gold” right from the start. It recommends a slow-and-steady approach: “If you were active before you had PsA, try to maintain a regimen as close to your old normal as possible. If you were inactive, start small.” If you’re stumped for an exercise plan that is both productive and enjoyable, consider consulting a fitness or health professional for ideas.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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National Psoriasis Foundation.Living with psoriatic arthritis.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Protect yourself from a nasty flu season.
Arthritis Foundation.Managing psoriatic arthritis flares.
Cassano N, Vestita M, Apruzzi D, Vena GA.Alcohol, psoriasis, liver disease, and anti-psoriasis drugs.Int J Dermatol. 2011;50(11):1323-31. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.05100.x.
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Harvard Medical School.Does weather affect arthritis pain?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Psoriatic arthritis.
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McAlindon T, Fomrmica M, Schmid CH, et al.Changes in barometric pressure and ambient temperature influence osteoarthritis pain.The American Journal of Medicine. 2007;120, 429-434. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.07.036.
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