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.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
It also explains how the symptoms and treatment options can vary.
What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
The scales are usually whitish-silver before they turn into thick, red patches.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
However, some people develop PsA without ever developing or noticingpsoriasis.
When severe, PsA can affect the fingers, toes, and spine.
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.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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.
The link between injury and flares is related to abnormal inflammatory responses.
People with PsA can prevent skin trauma by wearing gloves when cooking, gardening, or shaving.
Wearing long sleeves when performing activities that may cause injury is also a good idea.
And wearing sunscreen can prevent sunburns.
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.
Diet
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.
This group includes carrots, spinach, kale, blueberries, and strawberries.
Cold and Dry Weather
Cold and dry weather can trigger PsA symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis vary greatly from one person to another.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity are other risk factors.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help blunt joint damage.
PsA can cause complications and even disability if it’s not managed properly.
Activity Matters
Good exercises for people with PsA include bicycling, swimming, walking, and yoga.
The scales are usually whitish-silver before they turn into thick, red patches.
Most people with PsA are diagnosed with psoriasis first.
Symptoms can vary widely, and so can treatment options.
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.
If you were inactive, start small.”
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Arthritis Foundation.Managing psoriatic arthritis flares.
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2018;154(8):934-950. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.1412.
Harvard Medical School.Foods that fight inflammation.
Harvard Medical School.Does weather affect arthritis pain?
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Psoriatic arthritis.
Liu JT, Yeh HM, Liu SY, et al.
Psoriatic arthritis:Epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment.World J Orthop.
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