Lupus is a long-term disease that causes inflammation throughout the body. While symptoms, such as skin rashes, can sometimes be visible, the condition is an internal disorder arising from an immune system malfunction rather than an external source. This prompts questions about its communicability.
Lupus is Not Transmissible
Lupus is not a contagious disease and cannot be caught from another person. There is no risk of transmission through casual contact, such as touching, hugging, or sharing food and drinks. Unlike illnesses caused by bacteria or viruses, lupus is not passed on through respiratory droplets, blood transfusions, sexual intercourse, or organ donation. Lupus is an internal autoimmune dysfunction, not an external pathogen. The misconception that lupus might be transmissible often stems from visible symptoms, such as skin rashes, which are simply manifestations of the internal immune response.
Defining Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus is formally known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of the disease. SLE is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs. Normally, the immune system produces antibodies to neutralize foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria.
In lupus, this defense system loses its ability to distinguish between external threats and the body’s own cells, leading to “friendly fire.” The immune system produces autoantibodies that target components of the body’s own cells, often the cell nucleus. This response results in chronic inflammation that can affect various parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, brain, and heart, causing the wide range of associated symptoms.
Understanding the Complex Causes of Lupus
Since lupus is not communicable, its development stems from a complex interplay of internal and external factors. The condition has a genetic component, with researchers identifying over 50 genes linked to increased risk. While having a close relative with lupus can increase susceptibility, genetics alone do not guarantee the disease will develop.
The disease requires a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers to become active. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as from the sun, is a well-known environmental factor that can trigger lupus flares or onset. Certain infections, like the Epstein-Barr virus, and exposure to toxins, such as silica dust or cigarette smoke, are also suspected triggers.
Hormonal factors play a significant role, as women are diagnosed about nine times more frequently than men, particularly during childbearing years. Scientists believe that estrogen, an immunoenhancing hormone, may contribute to this increased prevalence. These factors combine to initiate the immune system malfunction, meaning the condition develops internally due to a unique combination of circumstances.