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Joints, Muscles and Bones Psoriatic Arthritis What causes PsA?
What causes PsA?
About Psoriatic arthritis

What causes PsA?

PsA is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 0.1 - 1% of the general population, though rates vary by country and population.1 PsA occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, with the immune response leading to inflammation in the joints in addition to an overproduction of skin cells.2 Many immune cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages, are involved in this process.

Diagram explaining the immune response in PsA, starting with immune cell buildup, then a buildup of skin cells and recruitment of inflammatory cells, which lead to a thickening of the skin.

References

  1. S. Lembke, G. J. Macfarlane, G. T. Jones, The worldwide prevalence of psoriatic arthritis—a systematic review and meta-analysis, Rheumatology. 2024;63(12):3211-3220
  2. Psoriatic arthritis – Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354076. Last accessed April 2025.