The Various Causes Of Psoriatic Arthritis

Certain Medications

Certain medications are also linked with triggering psoriatic arthritis. Lithium, which is commonly used to treat a plethora of psychiatric disorders (such as manic depression), aggravates these arthritic symptoms in nearly half of the psoriasis patients who take it. Antimalarials, which are recommended to only be taken for short periods, may also cause these symptoms to flare up. However, the effect is rarely immediate, presenting typically two to three weeks after the medication is taken. Certain heart medications, like quinidine, has been reported to worsen psoriasis, as have some high blood pressure medicines. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin has worsened some cases of psoriasis, but other anti-inflammatory medications can typically be substituted in to reduce side effects.

Cold Weather

Cold weather is another factor that influences psoriatic arthritis. Cold and dry weather causes the skin to dry out, which naturally puts the skin at a greater risk of flare-ups. In addition to the dry air, decreased sunlight exposure also plays into psoriasis and thus psoriatic arthritis flares. Patients who take care to frequently moisturize their skin and use a humidifier have reported their symptoms were alleviated, at least for some time. By contrast, sunny, hot weather seems to help control symptoms in the majority of individuals. Some patients see improvement in their skin due to the greater availability of natural light, while others enjoy less irritation on the skin due to wearing fewer layers of clothing.