PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

General:  Psoriasis is one of several autoimmune diseases where the immune system malfunctions and mistakenly attacks normal healthy body tissues.  Psoriasis causes a veryaparticular rash called a plaque, consisting of a patch of scaly skin with a red base.   In addition to the skin, psoriasis also affects joints, causing inflammation that leads to pain.   

Causes:   Psoriasis has a genetic predisposition, where in 1/3 of cases there is a close relative that also has the disease.  Psychological or environmental stress can trigger the immune system to activate and cause psoriasis symptoms.  Also, skin trauma and infections may provoke a psoriasis flare-up.  Obesity and unhealthy behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol intake increase risk of developing psoriasis.