Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis.

Though the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is not known, what is known is that this occurs due to a disorder in the immune system which wrongly attacks the healthy cells and tissues of the body. This results in the inflammation of joints in psoriatic arthritis or the excessive production of skin cells in psoriasis.

More posts on psoriatic arthritis.

1) What is psoriatic arthritis. 2) Types of psoriatic arthritis. 3) Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis 4) Causes, risks and complications 5) Diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. 6) Treatment of psoriatic arthritis. 7) Self care and home remedies.

Causes contd.

Many of the psoriatic patients have a family history of psoriasis or psoriasis arthritis.

Certain genetic markers have been discovered which are associated with this form of arthritis.

Physical trauma, infectious agents and some environmental factors have been found to trigger psoriatic arthritis especially in persons with a family history.

Factors that Increase Risk of Psoriatic Arthritis.

• Psoriasis.  Having psoriasis is the single largest factor that increases your risk of psoriasis arthritis. Existing psoriasis of the nails especially increases that risk to a greater extent.
• Family history. Having a parent or a sibling with this disease increases your risk.
• Age. Psoriatic arthritis is more commonly seen between the age between 30 years and 50 years. Onset of psoriatic arthritis  after the age of 60 years can be very severe and the outcome can be destructive.

Complications and Effects of Psoriasis Arthritis.

• This disease can result in inflammation of the conjunctiva and the iris of the eyes resulting in conjunctivitis and iritis. If not treated, this can result in blindness. Corticosteroids have to be injected into the eyes to reduce the inflammation.
• This disorder can cause inflammation of the pleura of the lungs (pleuritis). This can result in chest pain on deep breathing and shortness of breath.
• Psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation of the aorta (aortitis). This can lead to leakage in the valves of the aorta which can lead to heart failure and shortness of breadth.
• A small percent of such patients develop arthritis mutilans, (read types of psoriatic arthritis) which is a severe disabling form of psoriatic arthritis. Over time, this can destroy the small bones of the fingers and cause permanent disability.

Related posts:

1. Psoriatic Arthritis.
2. Types of Psoriatic Arthritis.
3. Symptoms and Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis.
4. How is Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosed.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis Treatments.
6. Living with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis.
7. Psoriatic Arthrtis|Self Care and Home Remedies.
8. Risk Factors That Can Give You Psoriasis.