Lupus
Lupus is three times more common in African American women than in Caucasian women.
Facts about lupus
People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.
Women develop lupus much more often than men: nine of every 10 people with lupus are women. Children can develop lupus, too.
Lupus is three times more common in African American women than in Caucasian women.
As many as 1 in 250 African American women will develop lupus.
Lupus is more common, occurs at a younger age, and is more severe in African Americans.
It is not known why lupus is more common in African Americans. Some scientists think that it is related to genes, but we know that hormones and environmental factors play a role in who develops lupus. There is a lot of research being done in this area, so contact the LFA for the most up-to-date research information, or to volunteer for some of these important research studies.
What is lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to persist longer than six weeks and often for many years. With good medical care, most people with lupus can lead a full life.
With lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs (“foreign invaders,” like the flu). Autoimmune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues and goes after healthy tissue as well. This causes inflammation (redness and swelling) and pain.
People with lupus have flares (the disease gets worse and you feel bad) and remissions (the disease gets better and you feel good).
Lupus can be mild or serious but should always be treated by a doctor
Source: African Americans and Lupus.pdf