Demographic (nonmodifiable) risk factors for SLE include female sex (possibly due to an estrogen effect); being of African, Asian, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Island descent; family history of SLE; and age (disease onset is often between the ages of 16 and 55 years). Environmental risk factors for SLE include smoking and alcohol intake; exposure to air pollution or silica dust; obesity; allergic reactions to medications; viral or bacterial illnesses, particularly Epstein-Barr virus; severe mental and/or physical stress; and, potentially, certain dietary patterns and microbiome changes (although more research is needed in this area).[1]
Are some people at a higher risk for developing systemic lupus erythematosus?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Certain demographic factors — such as female sex, specific ethnic backgrounds, a family history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and age of 16 to 55 — increase the risk of developing SLE. Additionally, environmental factors like smoking, alcohol intake, exposure to pollutants, obesity, and severe stress may also contribute to this risk.