Autoimmune Diseases and Their 13 Known Triggers

3. Sunshine

Nearly everyone enjoys being outside in the sunshine, but for some patients, it can trigger an autoimmune reaction. Researchers found that women were at higher risk for developing myositis, an inflammation of the muscles if they lived in an area that received more UV exposure. Men did not experience a significant increase, but men are also less likely to develop autoimmune diseases in general. Although no one can avoid the sun completely, taking precautions like wearing sunscreen, hats, and long-sleeved lightweight clothes in the summer can help to reduce the risk of sunlight triggering an autoimmune disease flare-up.