Psoriasis is a condition that causes skin cells to accumulate on the skin. This accumulation yields dry patches of skin that are itchy and painful. Psoriasis is a chronic disease; however, most patients have intermittent periods where they experience symptoms and then the disease goes into remission. Psoriasis is generally a mild disease but in some cases symptoms can turn severe when associated with arthritis. Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation, stiffness and pain in the joints.
Immune System
According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriasis is generally caused by an imbalance in the immune system. T lymphocyte cells, also known as T cells, support the immune system by attacking viruses or bacteria. However, in some cases T cells begin to attack healthy cells, preventing adequate healing when an illness affects the body. This creates an imbalanced process of cell development, causing a deficiency or excess of cells. The accumulation of skin cells as a result of psoriasis is an example of the excess in this process.
Joint Damage
There can be a variety of factors that cause arthritis; however, the primary cause is joint damage, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fractured bones, accidents, injuries or simple aging can cause joint damage. These elements combined over a prolonged period of time can contribute greatly to the development of arthritis.
In addition, arthritis can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Pain and stiffness associated with arthritis can contribute negatively to a patient's overall health including the immune system. Because psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder, it responds to any changes in the health of the immune system. A healthy immune system yields few symptoms while a compromised immune system fuels the development or severity of new symptoms.
Family History
One in three people who have a close relative with psoriasis will also suffer from psoriasis, affirms the Mayo Clinic. Patients should inform their physician if they have a relative with psoriasis so that the physician can monitor the development and progression of symptoms. Arthritis can also run in families given the susceptibility to which a person's genetic makeup can contribute.
Obesity
Obesity can increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as psoriasis and arthritis exponentially. If an obese patient has developed extra folds of skin, psoriasis scales may develop in those folds increasing their levels of discomfort and potentially causing a rash. In addition, the Mayo Clinic indicates that obese patients have a greater likelihood of developing arthritis due to the stress placed on their joints.
Coexisting Conditions
Patients who suffer from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may also develop symptoms of psoriasis because their immune systems become extremely compromised by the disease. If a patient's HIV symptoms are manageable, he generally will not have severe psoriasis symptoms.
