Systemic lupus erythematosus, abbreviated as SLE, is an autoimmune disease caused by a metabolic reaction that causes damage to multiple tissues and organs throughout the body, with a prevalence of (3-7)/10,000 in China, and is most common in women of childbearing age. There are many causes, mainly genetic, environmental and estrogenic factors. Epidemiological surveys have found that the prevalence of SLE is higher in patients with a family history than in those without a family history. Current research suggests that SLE is a polygenic disease, in which the absence or abnormality of some gene fragments alters the normal level of immunity and induces the disease in certain specific environments. Among the environmental factors, mainly some adverse environmental stimuli, such as frequent exposure to ultraviolet light, lead to abnormal skin cell apoptosis and repair, producing and exposing a large number of autoantigens, which can trigger the development of lupus; exposure to certain drugs (e.g., hydrazinepyridazine), microbial pathogens, and chemical agents can also trigger it. Finally, the prevalence is higher in women than in men, suggesting that estrogen also plays an important role in the development of SLE. The main treatment for this disease is the use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. According to these etiological factors such as environment and genetics, people at high risk of developing the disease can prevent it in their life, and through early diagnosis and early comprehensive treatment, the prognosis will be significantly improved.