In approximately five to ten percent of these patients, the cutaneus lupus develops into a systemic lupus erythematosus. There can be an involvement of the skin, the joints an internal organs. Ninety percent of the patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are young women between 15 and 45. Quite often Lupus is triggered off during or after a pregnancy. Sensitiveness to sunlight is also typical of lupus.
Sunlight can stimulate and worsen the disease progression.
This is the reason, why lupus sometimes breaks out after sunbathing or a holiday in a sunny climate. Like other autoimmune diseases, physical and psychical stress influences the disease and its progression in a negative manner. Certain foods and medication can intensify disease activitiy. Up to date, the cause of the disease is unknown. It is thought that similar to other autoimmune diseases, a genetic disposition together with other factors trigger the disease off.