Understanding Your Risk for Lupus
Experts aren’t sure exactly what causes lupus — a long-term disease that causes inflammation and pain in the body. But we know that having certain risk factors — characteristics that raise your chances of developing a health condition — make some people more likely to get lupus.
Risk factors for lupus
There are few risk factors with a well-documented link to lupus. They include:
- Sex. Women are more likely to develop lupus.
- Age. Most people with lupus start experiencing symptoms and are diagnosed between 15 and 44 years of age.
- Race and ethnicity. Certain groups are more likely to develop lupus. This includes people who are Black and African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander.
- What’s more, people in these groups sometimes develop lupus at younger ages, often have more severe lupus symptoms and complications, and can face challenges getting quality health care.
- Family history. People who have a relative with lupus have a higher chance of developing lupus themselves. Between 5 and 13 out of every 100 people who have a family history of lupus will get lupus. And lupus develops in about 5 out of every 100 children whose mothers have lupus.
Experts are still working to identify other risk factors for lupus. Research has suggested that there are some other possible lupus risk factors, including:
- Environmental factors. This is a broad category and an active area of research. Studies have explored whether coming into contact with certain toxins (like pesticides) or heavy metals (such as lead and cadmium), eating ultra-processed foods, or smoking increase a person’s risk for lupus.
- Psychosocial factors. These include experiencing depression, not getting enough sleep, experiencing abuse in childhood, or post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Hormonal factors. Researchers have studied whether using birth control pills, having your first period at a younger age, or certain hormones that exist in the body after menopause (when you stop getting monthly periods) can increase the risk of lupus.
- Medical history. Some studies have suggested that having other health conditions that cause inflammation in the body or having been infected with certain viruses can raise a person’s risk of getting lupus.
Keep in mind that more research is needed on these possible risk factors to understand what role they may play in a person getting lupus.
Can I Catch Lupus From Someone?
No — lupus is not contagious. Living with, spending time with, or touching someone who has lupus will not give you lupus.
Because lupus has some physical symptoms, like skin problems, people with lupus can face stigma from those who worry that it’s possible to catch lupus. If you know someone who has lupus symptoms that are easy to see, remember that living with stigma that can be wearing and hurtful. You can help support them by showing kindness, caring, and non-judgment.