Introduction

Lupus is one of the most complex and mysterious autoimmune diseases. Studies say it's more common and serious than many people know, and its effects aren't well understood by everyone. But you can always learn about lupus so you can recognize its signs, help those who have it, and support efforts to find better treatments and understand it more deeply.

What is lupus?

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease– where the cells in the body's defence system mistakenly start attacking healthy tissues and organs. It leads to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and skin rashes. In some cases, it can also affect vital organs like the kidneys or heart.¹ 

The exact cause of lupus remains unclear but it predominantly affects women, particularly those in their reproductive years. Currently, there is no cure for lupus, but treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

There are mainly four main types of lupus which are as follows 

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): This is the most common and serious type of lupus. It can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and brain. Symptoms can vary widely and may come and go unpredictably²
• Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE): This type mainly affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches or sores. It usually doesn't affect internal organs, and symptoms are usually limited to the skin²
• Drug-induced Lupus (DIL): Some medications can trigger lupus-like symptoms in some people. These symptoms often go away once the medication is stopped²
• Neonatal Lupus(NLE): This is a rare condition where a newborn baby has lupus symptoms due to antibodies passed from the mother. Symptoms typically disappear within a few months after birth² 

Causes of lupus

• Genetic factors: Sometimes, lupus seems to run in families. This suggests that certain genes might make someone more likely to develop the disease. Genes are like the blueprint of our bodies, guiding how they work and grow. In the case of lupus, certain genes can make someone more susceptible to developing the disease. It's a bit like having a special code that increases the likelihood of getting lupus if triggered by certain factors like infections or sunlight exposure. If a family member has lupus, there's a higher chance of others in the family having it too
• Environmental triggers: Things in the environment, like sunlight, infections, or certain medications, can sometimes trigger lupus in people who are already at risk due to their genes. For example, too much sun exposure can sometimes cause lupus symptoms to flare up in susceptible individuals. Certain medications for blood pressure, seizures, and infections can potentially trigger lupus¹
• Hormonal factors: Hormones, which are chemicals in the body that control different functions, might also play a role. Lupus is more common in women than men, especially during their childbearing years, suggesting that hormones like estrogen might be involved in triggering the disease²

Risk factors for developing lupus

• Gender: More women than men are affected by lupus. So, if you're a woman, you might have a higher chance of getting it³
• Age: While lupus can affect people of any age, it's most often diagnosed in younger adults typically between the ages of 15 and 45 years⁴
• Race and ethnicity: Some ethnic groups, like African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, seem to be more likely to develop lupus than others⁴
• Hormonal factors: Hormones, which are chemicals in the body, might also play a role. Lupus is more common in women during their childbearing years, suggesting that hormones like estrogen might have something to do with it
• Environmental factors: Factors like sunlight or certain infections, might trigger lupus in people who are already at risk due to their genes
• Family history: People who have relatives with lupus are more prone to developing this disease.
• Diseases: Studies show that having diseases such as endometriosis, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis puts you at risk for developing lupus⁵ 
• Certain Infections: Some viral infections, like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus (CMV), might start lupus in some people who are more likely to get it. These infections can activate the body's defense system causing dysregulation which could lead to problems like lupus⁶

FAQs

What causes lupus?

Lupus can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes can make you more likely to develop lupus, and environmental triggers like infections or sunlight exposure can activate the disease.

Is lupus contagious?

No, lupus is not contagious. It's an autoimmune disease, which means it's caused by problems with the immune system, not by germs that can be passed from person to person.

Can stress cause lupus?

While stress can trigger flare-ups or make symptoms worse in people who already have lupus, it's not considered a direct cause of the disease itself. Taking steps to deal with stress can really make a difference in how someone with lupus feels day-to-day and how they can stay healthy and happy.

Who is at risk of developing lupus?

Lupus can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase the risk. Women, particularly those of childbearing age, are more likely to develop lupus. Those with family members who have lupus or other autoimmune diseases, as well as those who are often in the sun or take certain medications, might have a higher chance of getting lupus themselves.

Can medications cause lupus?

Some medications, such as certain blood pressure medications, anti-seizure drugs, and antibiotics, have been associated with an increased risk of drug-induced lupus in some people. However, this type of lupus is rare and typically resolves once the medication is stopped.

Is there anything I can do to lower my risk of developing lupus?

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent lupus, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excessive sunlight exposure, and discussing potential risks with your doctor before starting new medications can help reduce the likelihood of developing the disease. If you have a family history of lupus or autoimmune diseases, staying informed and seeking medical advice if you notice any concerning symptoms can also be important.

Summary 

Lupus is a tricky disease where the body's defence system gets confused and starts attacking healthy tissues. This can cause all sorts of problems, like feeling tired all the time, achy joints, and strange rashes on the skin. Sometimes, it can even mess with important organs like the kidneys or heart. Now, you might wonder, "What causes lupus?" Well, it's not just about finding one straightforward answer. Scientists believe that a combination of things can play a role. Some people might be more likely to get lupus because of their genes, sort of like inheriting a special code that makes the disease more likely. Then, there are environmental triggers, like infections or sunlight exposure, that can set off lupus in people who are already at risk because of their genes.

So, who's more at risk? Women, especially younger ones, seem to be more prone to getting lupus. Scientists aren't entirely sure why, but they think hormones might have something to do with it. Also, if someone in the family has lupus or another autoimmune disease, there's a higher chance of others in the family getting it too.

Certain things in our environment, like some medications, can also raise the risk of developing lupus. Medications for blood pressure or infections might sometimes trigger lupus in some people.

Now, here's the good news: even though lupus can be complicated, there are things we can do to help lower the risk. For example, avoiding too much sunlight, which can sometimes make lupus symptoms worse, and talking to a doctor before starting new medications can be helpful steps. Understanding the causes and risk factors of lupus is important because it helps us take care of our health and support those who are living with the disease.