What causes childhood arthritis?

[KeithD]

The exact cause of juvenile arthritis is unknown, but it is believed to be a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the most common forms of juvenile arthritis include:

1. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): a type of arthritis with unknown cause but is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.
   
2. Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a form of JIA that affects the whole body, not just the joints.
   
3. Juvenile dermatomyositis: a type of JIA that causes muscle weakness and a skin rash.
   
4. Lupus: an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and swelling, as well as other symptoms.
   
5. Psoriatic arthritis: a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes scaly, red patches.
   

It is important to note that not all cases of childhood arthritis have a known cause.