by Eileen Eva

Created on: June 03, 2011   Last Updated: June 20, 2011

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect any body part. The disease is common in women, although men and children develop it. There are four different types of lupus namely: Systemic lupus erythematosus, Neonatal lupus, Drug induced lupus, and Cutaneous lupus. Systemic lupus is the most common and usually mistaken as “lupus” in general. According to

lupus.org, about 5 million people in the world suffer from lupus with 1.5 million being Americans. The causes of lupus are not clear although experts link it to genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

Genetic

Although there is no single gene or group of genes that cause lupus, experts believe that certain genes may determine if an individual will develop the disease. These same genes also determine the severity, and body organs that might be affected. However, the disease develops in certain families. For instance, in a family with identical twins where one has lupus, chances of the other developing lupus are high. Lupus can also develop in families with no history of lupus, but a history of another autoimmune disease.

Hormonal

Men and women produce estrogen, which influence lupus development. However, estrogen is predominant in women with its peak production being before menstruation and during pregnancy. During these times, some women experience pronounced symptoms of lupus signaling estrogen’s role in lupus. This could also explain why lupus is common in women.

Environmental

Environmental factors do not cause lupus, but trigger the development in people with genes that cause the disease. Some of the factors include lengthy exposure to fluorescent light bulbs, or the sun (ultraviolet rays). Prolonged use of certain medications also plays a role in lupus development. They include antibiotics like amoxicillin, ampicillin, cloxacillin, and penicillin. Tetracyclines like minocycline and some diuretics also trigger lupus development. Other medications that can contribute to lupus development include sulfasalazine, sulfisoxazole, tolbutamide. These medications share a common side effect which is sensitivity to the sun.

Other environmental factors that may trigger lupus development include viral infections like colds, body injury, exhaustion, and emotional stress. However, according to experts, exposure to the sun, medications, infections, and stress during and after pregnancy are common in people diagnosed with lupus.

The symptoms of lupus are chronic meaning they can last more than six weeks. However, early symptoms of lupus may include a rash on parts regularly exposed to the sun. They include the face, hands, shoulders, upper arms, and the chest. Getting a rash on these parts does not automatically signal lupus. Therefore, medical examination will determine if it is lupus and the best treatment.

References:

Lupus Foundation of America – What Causes Lupus

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) - Lupus

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