Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation of connective tissue, leading to muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and skin rash. Treatment options include immunosuppressive drugs and physical therapy, but the conditions are chronic and can lead to disabling impairments. Genetic factors and family history may increase the risk, and patients may qualify for disability benefits.
Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are closely related conditions involving inflammation of connective tissue in the body. In polymyositis, muscles are involved, and in dermatomyositis, both muscles and skin become inflamed. Patients diagnosed with dermatomyositis and polymyositis have a number of treatment options available to manage the conditions, but the chronic disease will be lifelong, with varying degrees of severity. Patients may need to make some lifestyle changes and adjustments to stay as healthy as possible while managing the disease.
These conditions are autoimmune in origin, with the body identifying normal proteins within the connective tissue as foreign and attacking them. This leads to inflammation and a gradual breakdown of tissue over time. Symptoms of dermatomyositis and polymyositis include muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, and fatigue, all associated with muscle damage. A rash also appears in patients with dermatomyositis, indicating skin involvement. A telltale rash on the knuckles is an especially common clinical sign.
The tests can be used to determine the extent of the damage and gather information about the patient’s general level of fitness for the purpose of developing an appropriate treatment plan. Over time, dermatomyositis and polymyositis can lead to disabling impairments as muscles progressively weaken. The sooner the condition is identified, the better the prognosis for the patient, as patients can begin treatment before permanent damage occurs.
Resting to allow the muscles to recover is one aspect of treatment. Additionally, patients may be prescribed immunosuppressive drugs to limit the damage caused by the immune system. These medications may need to be kept on for life, requiring patients to be careful of injuries and infections, as their bodies will be less able to fight off common infectious organisms and injuries will tend to heal more slowly. Once patients have stabilized, they may benefit from gentle physical therapy and periodic rest periods if they experience flare-ups.
There appear to be some genetic components to dermatomyositis and polymyositis, and these conditions are more common in women than men. People with a family history of both conditions should watch closely for early warning signs of symptoms and may wish to see a rheumatologist or immunologist to discuss their family history and potential treatment options. These conditions can ultimately qualify people for disability benefits, as they may eventually be unable to work due to fatigue and muscle weakness.
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