Who Is At Risk for Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis affects people of all ages and races. However, it's more common among African Americans and Northern Europeans. In the United States, the disease affects African Americans somewhat more often and more severely than Whites.

Studies have shown that sarcoidosis tends to vary in different ethnic groups. For example, eye problems due to the disease are more common in Japanese people.

Lofgren's syndrome, a type of sarcoidosis, is more common in people of European descent. Lofgren's syndrome may involve fever, enlarged lymph nodes, arthritis (usually in the ankles), and/or erythema nodosum. Erythema nodosum is a rash of red or reddish-purple bumps on your ankles and shins. The rash may be warm and tender to the touch.

Sarcoidosis is somewhat more common in women than in men. The disease usually develops between the ages of 20 and 50.

People who have certain jobs also may be at higher risk for sarcoidosis. Examples include:

• Health care workers
• Elementary and secondary school teachers
• People whose jobs expose them to agricultural dust, insecticides, pesticides, or mold
• Suppliers of building materials, hardware, or gardening materials
• Firefighters

People who have a family history of sarcoidosis also are at higher risk for the disease.