👋 Welcome back to Lupus Comforts, where I share my lupus journey and raise awareness about this invisible chronic illness.
💜 First, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has subscribed, commented, or shared your support. Your encouragement fuels my passion to keep creating content that informs, inspires, and uplifts.
In my previous post, I shared a beginner-friendly overview of what lupus is. Today, let’s dive into what causes lupus, or more precisely, what might trigger this unpredictable autoimmune disease.
❌ First, What Lupus is NOT:
Let’s clear up some common misconceptions:
🚫 Not contagious – Lupus is not spread through air, touch, or water.
🧪 Not cancer – Cancer is abnormal cell growth; lupus is an autoimmune misfire.
🦠 Not HIV or AIDS – HIV weakens the immune system; lupus causes it to attack itself.
➡️ Bottom line: There’s already enough stigma around chronic illness. Let’s replace myths with knowledge.
🔍 So, What Might Cause Lupus?
Lupus, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), has no single known cause. Most research points to a combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors that may trigger lupus in people who are predisposed to it.
🧬 1. Genetics
- 🧠 More than 50 genes may contribute to lupus.
- 🧓 You don’t need a family history to develop it.
- 🌍 Higher risk among Pacific Islanders, Asians, Africans, and Native Americans.
Fun fact: No one in my family ever had lupus—but here I am!
♀️ 2. Hormones
- 💊 90% of people with lupus are women.
- 🩸 Oestrogen is suspected to play a role—especially during pregnancy or with birth control pills.
- 🔬 Research is still exploring the hormonal link.
🌞 3. Environmental Triggers
These may activate lupus in someone with a genetic predisposition:
🌞 Sunlight (UV exposure)
- One of the biggest and most common lupus flare triggers.
- Even fluorescent light can be harmful.
🦠 Infections & Viruses
- Viruses like Epstein-Barr, tuberculosis, and even the common cold may trigger lupus.
🧪 Chemicals & Toxins
- Exposure to paint fumes, cleaning products, and industrial chemicals can be harmful.
💊 Medications
- Some medications can cause drug-induced lupus, which usually goes away after stopping the drug.
😓 Stress
- Both emotional and physical stress (e.g. surgery, trauma, or pregnancy) can trigger lupus.
🤔 But Wait… Aren’t These Too Common?
You might wonder:
“We all face stress, sunlight, pollution, and infections—so does that mean we’re all at risk?”
That’s the confusing part. These potential triggers are incredibly broad. Having them doesn’t guarantee lupus. But if you do have lupus, understanding your triggers can help you manage your flares more effectively.
⏭️ What’s Coming Next?
We’re still fuzzy on the causes—but how do you even know if you have lupus?
👉 In my next post, I’ll talk about common symptoms and how lupus is diagnosed (which can be a long, frustrating road).
💬 Final Thoughts
We may not know exactly what causes lupus—but we can empower ourselves with information and support each other. 💪
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Let’s raise awareness together.
Until next time,
Priyashni 💜