What increases your risk of lupus?

• Age — although lupus can occur at any age, it is more common between the ages of 15 and 45 • Gender — 90 percent of the people with lupus are females • Race — African Americans are three times more likely to get lupus than white people • Exposure to sunlight • Certain medications — some medications for psychoses, heart disease and tuberculosis can trigger lupus • Family history of lupus • Exposure to chemicals — those who work with mercury and silica may have an increased risk