Can Psoriatic Arthritis Cause Fever?
Psoriatic arthritis does more than cause joint pain and skin changes. It can also affect the body in ways that are easy to overlook, including changes in temperature. Yes, psoriatic arthritis can cause a fever, though it often happens during flare-ups or when complications like infection are present.
Inflammation from psoriatic arthritis may lead to fever, but fever can also signal something else, such as an infection that certain treatments make more likely. Recognizing whether the fever is part of the disease or another problem helps people manage their health and know when to take action.
Definition of Symptom
A symptom is any change in the body that a person can notice or feel, which signals that something may not be working as it should. Unlike signs, which can be measured or observed by others, symptoms are reported by the individual.
In psoriatic arthritis, common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. These may appear in one or several joints and can range from mild to severe. Skin changes, such as patches linked to psoriasis, may also occur alongside joint problems.
A low-grade fever can sometimes be a symptom of psoriatic arthritis. This may happen during a flare, when inflammation increases. However, fever is less common compared to joint-related symptoms. Examples of symptoms linked to psoriatic arthritis:
- Musculoskeletal: Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Skin: Rashes, scaling, and nail changes.
- Systemic: Fatigue, low-grade fever in some cases.
| Symptom Type | Example | Frequency in PsA |
|---|---|---|
| Joint-related | Pain, stiffness, swelling | Very common |
| Skin-related | Psoriasis patches | Common |
| Systemic | Fatigue, low-grade fever | Less common |
Fever in psoriatic arthritis can stem from the condition itself, related inflammation, or even from medications that increase infection risk. This makes it important to view fever as a potential but not defining symptom.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
The immune system in people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) often causes fever. In PsA, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, triggering inflammation that sometimes raises body temperature. Most people who develop PsA already have psoriasis, a skin condition with red, scaly patches. When joint inflammation combines with skin symptoms, strong immune activity can cause systemic signs like fever.
Other health conditions linked to PsA may also lead to fever. For example, people with PsA have a higher chance of developing inflammatory bowel disease, which can cause digestive problems and fever during flare-ups. Infections, medication side effects, or inflammation in organs such as the lungs or heart can also cause fever. The table below highlights possible causes:
| Condition/Factor | How It May Cause Fever |
|---|---|
| Psoriatic arthritis flare | Immune-driven inflammation raises body temperature |
| Psoriasis with PsA | Widespread skin and joint inflammation stresses the body |
| Inflammatory bowel disease | Intestinal inflammation can trigger fever episodes |
| Infection or medication | Side effects or infections may cause fever alongside PsA |
Fever is not the most common symptom of PsA, but it can appear during periods of heightened inflammation or when other conditions occur at the same time.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Not all fevers in people with psoriatic arthritis come directly from the disease. Some can be linked to outside factors such as medications, reactions to treatment, or even common over-the-counter drugs.
Medication side effects can cause fever. Certain treatments, including biologics used to manage psoriatic arthritis, may increase the risk of fever. The body may react to the drug itself, or the immune system may become more vulnerable to infections.
Even everyday pain relievers can play a role. For example, acetaminophen is usually safe when taken as directed, but in rare cases, it may trigger a fever as part of an unusual drug reaction. Other non-disease triggers include:
- Vaccinations: Some people develop a mild fever after routine immunizations.
- Heat Exposure: Spending too much time in hot environments may cause body temperature to rise.
- Stress and Fatigue: While not direct causes of fever, they can make the body more sensitive to other triggers.
| Trigger Type | Example | Possible Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription drugs | Biologics | Fever, infection risk |
| Over-the-counter meds | Acetaminophen (rare cases) | Drug reaction fever |
| Environmental factors | Heat exposure | Temporary temperature rise |
These non-disease causes are important to consider, especially when fever appears suddenly or does not match typical psoriatic arthritis flare patterns.
How It Causes the Symptom
Psoriatic arthritis can trigger fever because the immune system becomes overactive. When the body attacks its own tissues, it sets off an inflammatory response that may raise body temperature. This reaction is the same process the body uses to fight infections.
During a flare, joint and skin inflammation release proteins called cytokines. These proteins signal the brain to increase body temperature. Even a small rise, such as a low-grade fever (99–100.4°F), can occur when inflammation is active. In some cases, infections cause fever. People with psoriatic arthritis often take medications that weaken the immune system.
While these drugs reduce joint damage, they can make it easier for infections to develop, which may cause higher fevers. Other conditions linked with psoriatic arthritis, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can also contribute to fever. Key factors that may lead to fever in psoriatic arthritis:
- Overactive immune system
- Release of inflammatory cytokines
- Medication side effects
- Increased risk of infection
- Coexisting autoimmune conditions
Possible Complications
Psoriatic arthritis can affect more than just the joints. In some cases, people may also develop complications that involve the skin, eyes, or internal organs. These issues can add to the burden of the disease and may require separate treatment.
Infections are a common concern. Both the condition itself and the medications used to control it can weaken the immune system. This can raise the risk of illnesses such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or skin infections, which may lead to a fever. Some individuals experience eye problems, such as uveitis or conjunctivitis. These conditions cause redness, pain, and blurred vision if not managed quickly.
Psoriatic arthritis may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Inflammation can affect blood vessels and raise the likelihood of high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke. Other possible complications include:
- Metabolic syndrome (weight gain, high cholesterol, insulin resistance)
- Osteoporosis (weaker bones that break more easily)
- Liver disease (sometimes linked to medication use or fatty liver)
A small number of people may also develop inflammatory bowel disease, which causes abdominal pain and digestive issues.
When to Seek Medical Attention
A mild fever can sometimes occur with psoriatic arthritis, but it is not usually the main symptom. Because fever may also signal infection or a reaction to medication, do not ignore it. Contact a healthcare provider if you have a high or persistent fever, or if it comes with other concerning symptoms such as:
- Worsening joint pain or swelling
- Severe fatigue
- Chills or night sweats
- Sore throat or cough
- Skin infections or open sores
If you develop a fever soon after starting a new medication, let your doctor know before making any changes to your treatment. This could be a side effect or a sign of infection. Some situations require urgent care. Seek help right away if you have a fever along with confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat.
These may be signs of a serious problem. Tracking your temperature, flare patterns, and new symptoms can help your doctor figure out whether the fever is related to psoriatic arthritis or another issue.
