What causes psoriatic arthritis?

    Written by:
    Bill Willis

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Mike Murray, James Gaylor
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is not well understood, but both genetic factors and environmental triggers (such as stress, obesity, infection, and injury) have been implicated in its onset. Many people with this condition have family members who also have it, which suggests a genetic link.

    The cause of the autoimmune activity responsible for psoriatic arthritis pathology is not well understood. Both genetic and environmental causes have been implicated.

    • Genes: many people with psoriatic arthritis have relatives with the disease, and researchers have identified some of the genes involved

    • Environment: stress, obesity, infection, and injury have all been implicated in triggering disease onset