Lupus is a complex disease whose cause is unknown. It is likely that there is no single cause but rather a combination of genetic, environmental, and possibly hormonal factors that work together to cause the disease. The exact cause may differ from one person to another. Scientists are making progress in understanding the causes of lupus. Research suggests that genetics play an important role: however, no specific “lupus gene” has been identified. Instead, it appears that several genes may increase a person’s susceptibility to the disease.

Although lupus can run in families, genetics alone cannot account for who gets lupus. Some of the factors that scientists are studying include sunlight, stress, certain drugs and infectious agents such as viruses.

Lupus is often called a “women’s disease” despite the fact that many men are affected. Lupus can occur at any age, in either sex, although it occurs 10-15 times more frequently in women of child-bearing years (15 to 45 years of age).

- Information provided by Dr. Richard Furie, North Shore University Hospital