Lupus (Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE)

Causes & Prevention

Risk Factors for Lupus

Common risk factors for Lupus include:

  • Sex
  • Age
  • Race
  • Family History
  • Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus
  • Pregnancy

[Editor's Note: When "Race" is cited as a risk factor for any particular condition, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Triggers for Lupus Include Some Controversial Possibilities

Lupus is an autoimmune disease, and medical science does not yet understand the causes of autoimmune disorders.

However, there may be triggering factors that set Lupus off, such as:

  • Infection

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.