Lupus does not discriminate
- 9 out of 10 (90%) people with lupus are women and of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children, and teenagers and older individuals develop lupus, as well.
- Women of color are two to three times more likely to develop lupus than Caucasians.
- People of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus.
- But women of African, Asian, or Native American descent are three times more at risk than Caucasians.
- Women are 5 times more likely to die from lupus than men.
- 5% of children born to individuals with lupus develop the disorder.
- Men are at a higher risk before puberty and after age 50
- African-Americans and Latinos tend to get lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms, including kidney problems.
- African-Americans with lupus have more problems with seizures, strokes, and dangerous swelling of the heart muscle. Latina patients have more heart problems as well.
- Only 10% of people with lupus will have a close relative (parent or sibling) who already has or may develop lupus.
- However, many people with lupus have a family history of other autoimmune diseases.
- Celebrities with lupus include Toni Braxton, Nick Cannon, Seal, Selena Gomez, rapper Snoop Dogg’s daughter, Cori Broadus and Michael Jackson (deceased). Lady Gaga is also reporting that she was tested “borderline” positive for lupus.