What Causes Lupus?

The cause(s) of lupus is unknown, but there are environmental and genetic factors involved.  While scientists believe there is a genetic predisposition to the disease, it is known that environmental factors also play a critical role in triggering lupus.  Some of the environmental factors that may trigger the disease are: infections, anibiotics (especially those in the sulfa and penicillin groups), ultraviolet light, extreme stress, certain drugs, and hormones.

Although lupus is known to occur within families, there is no known gene or genes which are thought to cause the illness.  Only 10 percent of lupus patients will have a parent or sibling who already has or may develop lupus.  Statistics show that only about 5 percent of the children born to individuals with lupus will develop the illness.

Lupus is often called a "women's disease" despite the fact that many men are affected.  Hormone factors may explain why lupus occurs more frequently in females than males.