The vast majority of people developing psoriatic arthritis, have pre-existing psoriasis. Whilst studies have suggested that smoking, obesity, and heavy alcohol consumption, may make existing psoriasis worse, their relationship to psoriatic arthritis is unclear.
A recent large study examined whether these factors may increase the risk of psoriatic arthritis in a large population of patients with pre-existing psoriasis.
Using the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 1998 and 2014, researchers identified 90,189 cases of psoriasis, 1,409 of whom subsequently developed psoriatic arthritis.
They then examined the association between changes in body mass index (BMI), smoking habits and reported alcohol consumption in relation to the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.
Results showed that being overweight or obese significantly increased the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. Indeed, those with a BMI of 35 (obese class II) or above were 2.5 times more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis than those with a normal body weight.
Importantly, reducing BMI over a 10-year period was associated with a reduction in the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis compared with weight remaining constant over the same period. There was an increased risk with moderate alcohol consumption but not with heavy consumption, but no association with smoking.
Reference: Green A, Shaddick G, Charlton R et al. Modifiable risk factors and the development of psoriatic arthritis in people with psoriasis. Br J Dermatol 2020, 182: 714-720
For tips on nutrition, healthy lifestyles and how to exercise when you have psoriatic arthritis, see our lifestyle and nutrition and physiotherapy & exercise information.
You may be interested to know that PAPAA is supporting research studies into understanding the associated risks that having other conditions have on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and how that understanding can be translated into better care to help people who are affected.
You can help make a difference by supporting our CARE|CAUSE|CURE research campaign.