Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes muscle inflammation, weakness, and skin rash. It can affect both adults and children, with women being more commonly affected. There is no known cure, but symptoms can be treated with drugs, physical therapy, and surgery. It’s important to have a support group and take precautions to protect the skin from the sun.
Dermatomyositis is a relatively rare disease of the muscles characterized by extreme inflammation of the muscles, muscle weakness and skin rash. It can occur in both adults, usually between the ages of 40 and 60; and children, typically between the ages of 15 and 15. In general, women are more commonly affected by dermatomyositis than men. In most individuals, it can take weeks or even months to fully develop and they may have spontaneous periods of time where symptoms go into remission.
As mentioned above, the most common symptoms of dermatomyositis are a purplish-colored rash on the face, chest, eyelids, back, toes, nail beds, knuckles, knees, and elbows. Muscles also progressively weaken, particularly those that are closest to the torso of the body, such as the hips, neck, shoulders, thighs, and biceps. The rash and muscle weakness occur at the same time, or the rash may precede the muscle weakness by several weeks. Less common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, muscle tenderness, weight loss, calcium deposits that form hard lumps under the skin in young people, ulcers, and lung problems. In the worst cases, symptoms can prevent an affected person from performing simple tasks, such as getting out of a chair, combing their hair, or putting on their clothes.
The exact causes of dermatomyositis are unknown. It belongs to a family of diseases called myopathies. Many researchers believe that myopathies are actually autoimmune diseases in which the body’s immune system conducts an attack against the body. Researchers are also beginning to believe that some people are genetically predisposed to the disease.
Dermatomyositis has no cure; however, the symptoms can be treated. Sometimes certain drugs are used, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressant drugs, and intravenous immunoglobulin. Physical therapy is a good way to prevent muscle atrophy and to prevent further loss of muscle strength and increase range of motion. Heat therapy, assistive equipment, and rest are also often recommended. In some cases, surgery may be done to remove calcium lumps, particularly if they’re causing your individual pain or causing infection.
Once an individual is diagnosed with dermatomyositis, it is important to have a good support group and a way to cope with the disease. Read and understand all current information and have an opening talk with a specialist and others who have the disease. Individuals should never overexert themselves and should be able to ask others for help when needed. Wearing sunscreen will do wonders for protecting the sun-sensitive areas where the rash has developed.
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