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Contents
  • Genetic Factors: It's in the Family
  • Environmental Triggers: External Influences
  • Demographic Factors: Who's at Risk?

What Increases Your Risk of Systemic Sclerosis?

What Increases Your Risk of Systemic Sclerosis?

Understanding the Risks

While the exact cause of systemic sclerosis remains unknown, researchers have identified several factors that may increase a person's risk of developing this condition. Let's explore what we know about these risk factors.
Contents
  • Genetic Factors: It's in the Family
  • Environmental Triggers: External Influences
  • Demographic Factors: Who's at Risk?

Genetic Factors: It's in the Family

While systemic sclerosis isn't directly inherited, having a family history of the disease or other autoimmune conditions can increase your risk. Certain genetic variations have been associated with a higher likelihood of developing systemic sclerosis, suggesting a genetic component to the disease.

Environmental Triggers: External Influences

Exposure to certain environmental factors may play a role in triggering systemic sclerosis in susceptible individuals. These can include exposure to silica dust, organic solvents, or certain drugs. Some studies have also suggested a possible link with viral infections, though this connection isn't fully understood.
Factors that increase the likelihood of developing systemic sclerosis, including genetic predispositions and environmental exposures.

Demographic Factors: Who's at Risk?

Systemic sclerosis is more common in women than in men, with a ratio ranging from 3:1 to 8:1. It typically develops between ages 30 and 50, though it can occur at any age. Some studies suggest that certain racial or ethnic groups may have a higher risk or experience more severe disease.

FAQs

Can stress cause systemic sclerosis?

Stress alone doesn't cause it, but may contribute to symptom flares.

Is systemic sclerosis contagious?

No, it's not contagious and can't be spread from person to person.

Can lifestyle choices affect risk?

While not direct causes, smoking and poor nutrition may influence disease course.

Is pregnancy a risk factor?

Pregnancy itself isn't a risk factor, but can complicate existing disease.

A Complex Picture

While these risk factors provide clues, the development of systemic sclerosis likely involves a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
Concerned about your risk for systemic sclerosis? Reach out to Doctronic to discuss your personal risk factors and potential preventive strategies.
Additional References
  1. Ingegnoli F, Ughi N, Mihai C. Update on the epidemiology, risk factors, and disease outcomes of systemic sclerosis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2018; 32:223.
  2. Peoples C, Medsger TA Jr, Lucas M, et al. Gender differences in systemic sclerosis: relationship to clinical features, serologic status and outcomes. J Scleroderma Relat Disord 2016; 1:177.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.