While it is still not known by scientists what exactly causes psoriasis, but we know that the autoimmune response does play a vital role in its development. There are certain triggers that flare up the malady in which the skin cells grow rapidly and increases the eruption of psoriasis lesions. Since Psoriasis arthritis is a chronic inflammatory arthritis, it can lead to permanent joint damage and make the patient disabled. Due to the rarity of its onset, between 6-10% of patients, its consequences cannot be ignored. Even 20-40% patients of that group suffer from severe Psoriasis arthritis.
However, there are certain factors that do need attention as they are believed to cause this disease in both men and women untimely. It is thus important to recognize the risk factors associated with psoriatic arthritis. We term these risk factors from moderate to severe where a moderate factor can involve regimen which can influence its outcome and control the damage which it can cause.
When the body has autoimmune problems or abnormalities, it can lead to an increased risk of Psoriasis arthritis. The activated T sells present in the tissues of the skin force the body to make certain proteins called cytokines that cause inflammation. These proteins also make the joints very stiff and swell them up. The autoimmune response aggravates more joint swelling and painful conditions as it promotes attack of its own healthy cells. This process leads to cartilage destruction and skin inflammation associated with Psoriasis arthritis.
It is studied that more than 40% of patients who have psoriasis or Psoriasis arthritis are associated with family members who have psoriasis or Psoriasis arthritis. Therefore, family genes make for a strong point in the inheritance of this disease. Also studies show that people having a family history of PsA suffers were prone to getting the disease about 48 times more than others. This diseases is likely to be forced by genetic factors than those with other autoimmune diseases. We also study that parents who have psoriasis have direct exposure of their disease three times to their children and the risk of getting PsA in their kids is high. Moreover, if an identical twin has Psoriasis arthritis, then the other identical twin is highly likely to have the disease or develop it eventually. But, certainly all the genes are not associated with this factor.
The environment also plays a major role in the development of Psoriasis arthritis. Streptococcal infection is one such factor that can boost up exposure to this disease. Smoking can also have harmful effects on your skin and joints and it can make you prone to the severity of the scaling skin disease psoriasis and then, the arthritis will follow it. Psoriasis arthritis can be found commonly in people who are infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) compared to the rest population.
The Koebner phenomenon is another aspect of psoriasis but still a study of contention. It forms Psoriasis skin lesions on parts of the body and this disease is known as an isomorphic response. It occurs in about 52% of people with psoriasis according to Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology and is considered another environmental factor.
For this disease, we better need to understand what influences Psoriasis arthritis and its conditions that are prevalent in making it a long-lasting phenomenon.