Symptoms and Treatments of Lupus

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             Culture/Ethnicity.
             Based on recent studies, "people of color are diagnosed with lupus more frequently than caucasians" (Wallace, 2008, p.11). To illustrate this statement, the author states, "approximately one white male in 10,000, one white female in 1,000 and one African American female in 250 in the United States have systematic lupus erythematosus" (p.11). Keeping gender in mind, women are diagnosed with lupus more often than men. Women of color are more likely to be diagnosed than any other group of people. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, "Lupus is two to three times more prevalent among women of color -- African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders -- than among Caucasian women". Knowing which ethnicities are affected the most can help health care providers pay closer attention to these groups and help prevent additional severity of the disease. .
             Occupation/Education Level.
             Occupation and education levels can affect the progression of lupus in a person. According to an academic research project performed by Glinda S. Cooper called, Occupational and Environmental Exposures and Risks of Systematic Lupus Erythematosus, "an association was seen with outdoor work in 12 months preceding a lupus diagnoses" (2010). Occupations with more exposure to sunlight, silica dust and chemical solvents increased risk and severity of symptoms for those with lupus. Occupations such as artist working with paints, sterilizing dental equipment, and applying nail or beauty applications are all in the category of potentially risky environments for lupus patients (Cooper, 2010). Outdoor jobs where sun exposure is a constant factor can act as, "a trigger, particularly among people whose reaction to midday sun is typified by sunburn with blistering or rash" (Cooper, 2010).