Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory disease that primarily affects the skin and muscles (myopathy) but may also affect other organs of the body. Research suggests that dermatomyositis is anautoimmune disorderin which the body attacks its own healthy cells.
The defining symptom is a skin rash that develops or appears at the same time as muscle weakness. While it can occur in people of any age, dermatomyositis typically affects adults in their late 40s to early 60s and is more prevalent among women than men.
In children, the onset of juvenile dermatomyositis takes place between 5 and 15. While there’s no known cure for dermatomyositis, symptoms can be treated.
Symptoms of dermatomyositis, one of only three known inflammatory myopathies, can develop gradually over weeks or months or come on suddenly. They include:
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermatomyositis on face.DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
The muscle weakness and rash associated with dermatomyositis can also lead to other complications, such as skin and gastric ulcers, and malnutrition.
Although it’s relatively uncommon, some people with dermatomyositis experience systemic symptoms such asarthritis. Adults over 60 with the condition sometimes have a higher risk of developing cancer.
Finally, in some instances dermatomyositis is associated with the following conditions:
The primary cause of dermatomyositis is not known. Some theories suggest that it’s an autoimmune reaction. There may also be a genetic component to the condition, although it’s not classified as a genetic disorder. It sometimes occurs in people who have cancer of the abdomen, lungs, or other parts of the body.
In someone with dermatomyositis, tell-tale skin symptoms—rash, papules, and calcinosis nodules—often show up first.
Since these can sometimes be mistaken for symptoms of lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, or lichen planus, a healthcare provider is unlikely to rely only on a physical exam to diagnose dermatomyositis. Other diagnostics include:
Treatment for dermatomyositis includes relieving muscle weakness and skin symptoms. A corticosteroid such as prednisone can ease muscle inflammation. If the side effects of steroids become severe, immunosuppressant or cytotoxic medications, such as Rheumatrex (methotrexate) or Imuran (azathioprine) may be used. Rheumatrex can also help reduce skin symptoms.
Physical and occupational therapy can help improve muscle function and prevent complications such as contractures, which is a shortening and hardening of muscles or tendons.
People with dermatomyositis are photosensitive and should protect their skin from sun exposure.
Some people with dermatomyositis require treatment for systemic symptoms or complications. In children and adolescents, calcinosis can complicate treatment.
Symptoms may resolve completely after a course of corticosteroids. This remission may last a long time or, in some cases, be permanent.
A Word From Verywell
Corticosteroids, especially in high doses, shouldn’t be used for extended periods of time to treat dermatomyositis because of their potential side effects. Your healthcare provider will most likely start you on a high dose, then gradually lower it. Some people can eventually stop taking corticosteroids completely if their symptoms disappear for a prolonged period of time after stopping the medication.
If corticosteroids alone don’t improve symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe other medications to suppress your immune system.
Most people with dermatomyositis require long-term treatment. And while some people develop cancer or organ failure, which can affect life expectancy, many individuals respond well to treatment and have relief of most, if not all, symptoms.
SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Moskowitz RJDermatomyositisFebruary 2011.The Myositis Association.What Is Myositis?
Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Moskowitz RJDermatomyositisFebruary 2011.The Myositis Association.What Is Myositis?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Moskowitz RJDermatomyositisFebruary 2011.The Myositis Association.What Is Myositis?
Moskowitz RJDermatomyositisFebruary 2011.
The Myositis Association.What Is Myositis?
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