Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis: Triggers and Risk Factors

Last Updated on June 10, 2025 by Lauretta Iyamu, PharmD

However, most people are unaware of what causes it.

Even worse, they don’t realize their skin and joint symptoms are connected until the damage has already started.

Psoriatic arthritis doesn’t come out of nowhere.

It builds over time.

And while you can’t change your DNA, you can lower your risk by understanding what’s going on inside your body.

This is important, especially if you already have psoriasis or a family history of autoimmune diseases.

Once you learn what causes psoriatic arthritis, you can take control of your health before joint damage sets in.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The key differences between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
• Why does genetics play a big role?
• What environmental triggers activate the disease
• Which daily habits make symptoms worse
• How to spot early warning signs
• And the science-backed ways to protect your joints and immune system

 

 If you have the genes for psoriatic arthritis, certain life events can trigger its onset.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease.

That means your body’s immune system, which usually protects you, starts attacking your healthy tissue instead.

In this case, it attacks your joints and skin.

If you already have psoriasis (the skin part), you’re at a much higher risk for developing arthritis (the joint part). 

This doesn’t happen to everyone with psoriasis, but when it does, it usually starts between the ages of 30 and 50.

Here’s what’s happening in simple terms:

• Your immune system gets confused
• It thinks your skin and joint tissue are a threat
• It sends white blood cells to “fight” the threat
• This causes inflammation, swelling, pain, and stiffness

Over time, this inflammation can lead to permanent joint damage.

Psoriatic arthritis differs from other types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

It often presents with swollen fingers or toes, back pain, and changes in the nails, characteristics unique to this type.

So what causes this autoimmune confusion in the first place?

That’s what we’ll cover next.

What Can Trigger Psoriatic Arthritis?

Even if you carry the genes, psoriatic arthritis usually needs a trigger to turn those genes “on.”

And the problem is… 

Most people don’t realize they’ve triggered a response until the symptoms appear.

Let’s look at the most common ones doctors see:

1. Infections

This is a big one.

Certain infections, especially things like strep throat, have been linked to triggering psoriatic arthritis.

It may seem like a sore throat. But for people with the correct genetic setup, it can confuse the immune system. 

That confusion can lead to inflammation in your skin and joints weeks later.

2. Skin Injury or Trauma

Even minor injuries to the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, or burns, can trigger joint pain.

This is called the Koebner phenomenon. It’s a fancy term that means:
“If you hurt the skin, psoriasis (and sometimes arthritis) can show up in that same area later.”

A stubbed toe or bug bite might not be so harmless after all.

3. Stress

Yes, stress can indeed exacerbate things.

High stress changes your hormones and weakens your immune system. 

That combination often leads to flare-ups in both psoriasis and joint symptoms.

Some people say their psoriatic arthritis started shortly after a divorce, job loss, or death in the family.

4. Toxins and Chemicals

Certain chemicals, especially those found in industrial settings or strong household cleaners, may trigger inflammation in some individuals.

They’re still studying this, but it’s worth avoiding if you’re at risk.

5. Weather and Seasonal Changes

Many people report flare-ups during cold, damp months.

Why? Cold weather tends to make joints stiffer. 

Low sunlight can affect your vitamin D levels. 

Some people with autoimmune conditions are more sensitive to temperature changes.

So if you start to notice symptoms in winter, you’re not imagining it.

Lifestyle Habits That Can Make Psoriatic Arthritis Worse

Some things you can’t control, like your genetics or a past infection.

But there are also lifestyle habits that you can control.

And they matter more than most people realize.

Let’s look at the biggest ones:

 

 

1. Smoking

If you smoke, you are much more likely to trigger an autoimmune response.

Smoking increases inflammation, messes with your immune system, and makes symptoms worse once they start.

It can also make your treatment less effective.

Smokers with psoriatic arthritis tend to have more joint pain, worse skin issues, and slower recovery.

2. Obesity and Extra Weight

Carrying extra weight doesn’t just stress your joints.

Fat tissue creates inflammatory chemicals in the body.

That means being overweight increases the chances of a flare.

It can also make the disease more severe and difficult to manage.

Losing even 10 to 15 pounds can lower inflammation and improve joint pain.

3. Poor Diet

A diet high in sugar, processed foods, or fried items can feed inflammation.

On the other hand, anti-inflammatory diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, are beneficial.

Here’s what helps most:

• Omega-3 fats (like salmon, flaxseed)
• Leafy greens and colorful vegetables
• Whole foods, less sugar
• Less red meat and dairy

4. Alcohol

Alcohol doesn’t just stress your liver; it affects your immune system.

Regular drinking can raise inflammation levels and interfere with medications.

Some people with psoriatic arthritis notice more joint pain and skin flares after drinking.

5. Lack of Movement

When your joints hurt, exercise might feel impossible.

However, staying sedentary makes things worse over time.

Movement improves circulation, keeps joints flexible, and helps reduce stiffness.

Even simple stretching or light walking can make a difference.

Medical Conditions That Raise Your Risk

Psoriatic arthritis rarely shows up without warning.

In most cases, it’s connected to other health conditions that are already happening in your body.

These don’t cause the disease by themselves, but they significantly increase the likelihood of developing it.

Let’s go through the most common ones.

1. Psoriasis

This is the number 1 risk factor.

If you already have psoriasis, even a mild case, you’re at a much higher risk of getting psoriatic arthritis. 

Studies show that up to 3 in 10 people with psoriasis will eventually develop joint symptoms.

And here’s the tricky part: the joint pain doesn’t always start after the skin symptoms.

Sometimes it comes first.

That’s why doctors always ask psoriasis patients about joint pain, even if it seems unrelated.

2. Other Autoimmune Diseases

If you have another autoimmune condition, your immune system is already in overdrive.

Conditions like:

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Type 1 diabetes
• Autoimmune thyroid disease

All these autoimmune conditions increase your risk.

Why? Because your immune system is more likely to attack your tissues again, including your joints.

3. Metabolic Syndrome

This includes a group of conditions like:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Insulin resistance
• Belly fat

Metabolic syndrome puts extra strain on your body and makes it more inflammatory, which can trigger or worsen autoimmune diseases like psoriatic arthritis.

4. Hormonal Shifts

Hormones may also play a role, especially in women.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause are all times when symptoms can start or flare up.

Some women notice their arthritis improves during pregnancy but returns afterward.

5. Age and Gender

Psoriatic arthritis can strike at any age, but it most often begins between the ages of 30 and 50.

It affects men and women equally, but the symptoms and severity can vary depending on hormonal fluctuations, body weight, and other personal health factors.

If you have any of these conditions and you also have psoriasis or unexplained joint pain, don’t wait.

• Talk to your doctor
• Ask about early testing

Catching this early can help protect your joints and prevent permanent damage.

Hormones and Gender: Why Risk Looks Different for Everyone

Psoriatic arthritis doesn’t play fair.

It doesn’t affect everyone the same way, especially when it comes to hormones and gender.

Let’s break down what the research says.

1. Women Often Have a Different Experience

Many studies show that women are just as likely as men to develop psoriatic arthritis.

But the symptoms?

They often show up differently.

Women are more likely to have:

• Widespread joint pain
• More fatigue
• Slower response to treatment
• Higher rates of depression and anxiety

It’s not just physical. Hormonal shifts can make flares worse, especially during pregnancy or menopause.

2. Pregnancy Can Trigger (or Relieve) Symptoms

Some women find that their symptoms improve during pregnancy.

Others experience their first flare after giving birth.

That’s likely due to significant changes in immune system behavior during and after pregnancy.

Postpartum flares can be intense and often catch women off guard.

3. Men Have a Higher Risk of Spine Involvement

While women report more overall pain, men are more likely to have joint damage in the spine and lower back.

This is called axial psoriatic arthritis.

It can lead to severe stiffness and limit movement if left untreated.

4. Hormones Play a Bigger Role Than We Realized

Estrogen and testosterone both affect inflammation.

When hormone levels change due to age, stress, or medications, the immune system can become more reactive.

That’s why teens, postpartum women, and people going through menopause may see their symptoms shift suddenly.

So yes, gender and hormones matter.

When you understand these patterns, it can help you and your doctor spot changes early, adjust treatment, and plan ahead.

How to Lower Your Risk Before Psoriatic Arthritis Starts

You may not be able to change your genes.

However, you do have control over several factors that can lower your risk or slow the progression of the disease if it has already begun.

Here’s what works:

1. Get Serious About Inflammation

Psoriatic arthritis is fueled by chronic inflammation.
What you eat, how you move, and how you manage stress all play a role.

Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet:

• Colorful vegetables and fruits
• Omega-3 rich foods like salmon and flaxseed
• Spices like turmeric and ginger
• Whole grains, nuts, and olive oil

Avoid:

• Processed foods
• Sugary drinks
• Excess alcohol
• Fried or fast food

2. Move Daily, But Don’t Overdo It

Exercise helps keep joints strong and inflammation at a low level.

Aim for:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Light strength training
• Stretching or yoga

Even 15–20 minutes a day helps.

3. Stress Is a Trigger. Learn to Defuse It.

Stress weakens the immune system and triggers flares.

Simple strategies that help:

• Deep breathing
• Journaling
• Prayer or meditation
• Talking to someone you trust

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Extra weight adds pressure to your joints and worsens inflammation.

Losing just 5 to 10% of your body weight can significantly reduce symptoms and improve your body’s ability to handle flares.

The Bottom Line

Psoriatic arthritis doesn’t just “show up.”

There’s always a reason, and often, early warning signs your body tries to give you.

• Now you know the most common triggers
• Now you understand what to watch for
• And now you’re better prepared to protect yourself

So here’s what I want you to do next:

• If you have psoriasis, start tracking your symptoms
• If joint pain is already happening, get it evaluated early
• If you’re at risk, use these prevention strategies now  before the damage begins

The sooner you act, the better the outcome will be.

And remember: Psoriatic arthritis is treatable.

You are not powerless. But ignoring the signs? That’s the real risk.

Which symptom or trigger spoke loudest to you today?

That’s where you start. 

One step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you have psoriatic arthritis without psoriasis?

Yes, but it’s less common. Most people develop psoriasis first. However, in approximately 15% of cases, joint pain occurs before any skin symptoms appear. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to unexplained joint pain, even if your skin looks fine.

If you have a family history of psoriasis, your chances are higher.

2. What causes psoriatic arthritis to flare up?

Common triggers include:

• Stress
• Illness or infection
• Physical injury
• Poor sleep
• Cold weather
• Eating inflammatory foods

Flares can also happen when you stop taking your medication or don’t manage stress well. Learning your triggers can help you avoid them.

3. Is psoriatic arthritis curable?

No, but it is treatable.

You can’t cure it, but you can control it. With the right treatment plan, many people live whole, active lives. Early diagnosis makes a big difference in preventing joint damage.

The goal is to control inflammation and prevent flares.

References:

• Mayo Clinic: Psoriatic arthritis – Symptoms & causes

• PMC: Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis—Associated Genes, Cytokines, and Pathogenesis