Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDermatomyositisSymptomsDiagnosis and SpecialistsTreatment OptionsComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Dermatomyositis
Symptoms
Diagnosis and Specialists
Treatment Options
Complications
A purple rash on the eyelids is a sign ofheliotroperash. The color and appearance resemble that of the heliotrope flower, where the name comes from. Heliotrope rash is a telltale sign of a rare inflammatory connective tissue disease calleddermatomyositis.
This article covers risk factors and what causes heliotrope rash, symptoms to expect, how to get a proper diagnosis, heliotrope and dermatomyositis treatments, heliotrope possible complications, and prognosis or long-term outlook for people.
Autoimmune Skin Disorders
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet / 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.
DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND
Link Between Heliotrope Rash and Dermatomyositis
A heliotrope rash is a symptom ofdermatomyositis, which is a rare autoimmune disease. This is why it’s also sometimes called “dermatomyositis eyes.”
Anyone can develop a heliotrope rash from dermatomyositis. However, it is most often seen in children between 5-15 years of age (i.e.,juvenile dermatomyositis) and adults between 40-60 years of age. As with manyautoimmune diseases, women may be more affected than men.
Other Conditions Associated with Heliotrope RashAlong with dermatomyositis, experts also make a connection between heliotrope rash and:Previous viral infection (e.g., human immunodeficiency (HIV) infection)Certain types of cancers, such as abdomen and lung cancerSilicone breast implants and collagen injections (more research is needed to determine the exact relationship)
Other Conditions Associated with Heliotrope Rash
Along with dermatomyositis, experts also make a connection between heliotrope rash and:Previous viral infection (e.g., human immunodeficiency (HIV) infection)Certain types of cancers, such as abdomen and lung cancerSilicone breast implants and collagen injections (more research is needed to determine the exact relationship)
Along with dermatomyositis, experts also make a connection between heliotrope rash and:
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
Understanding Heliotrope Rash Symptoms
Autoimmune attacks generally lead to inflammation and swelling. Heliotrope rash symptoms can be located on the eye and eyelid and affect other body areas.
Eye and Eyelid
Eye- and eyelid-related symptoms of heliotrope rash include:
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Not Eye-Related
Non-eye-related symptoms of heliotrope rash include:
Symptoms VarySymptoms vary from person to person. Some symptoms, like muscle weakness, may come on suddenly or gradually over weeks and months. Symptoms can also come and go without any obvious reason.People with heliotrope rash from dermatomyositis can also experience other itching, burning, and even scaly rashes on sun-exposed areas. For example, if you experience red or violet bumps on the outside joints of your hand, that’s called gottron papules.
Symptoms Vary
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some symptoms, like muscle weakness, may come on suddenly or gradually over weeks and months. Symptoms can also come and go without any obvious reason.People with heliotrope rash from dermatomyositis can also experience other itching, burning, and even scaly rashes on sun-exposed areas. For example, if you experience red or violet bumps on the outside joints of your hand, that’s called gottron papules.
What Are Gottron Papules?
Heliotrope Rash Diagnosis and Types of Specialists
Skin specialists ordermatologistscan recognize heliotrope rash on the eyes and eyelids. People with this symptom can undergo a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. However, other tests can help confirm the diagnosis and help your healthcare provider understand the extent of the underlying disease and its impact on the immune system and muscle health.
Diagnostic tests include:
Other types of specialists for heliotrope rash include:
What Are the Different Types of Doctors?
Treatment Options for Heliotrope Rash
There are several ways to manage symptoms and discomfort of heliotrope rash. Here are some skin-care and self-care practices experts say can help with heliotrope rash, specifically.
While treating rash symptoms is necessary, it’s also essential to treat any underlying conditions causing or contributing to heliotrope rash.
Corticosteroids for Inflammation: Types and Uses
Dermatomyositis Treatment
While there is no cure for dermatomyositis, there are effective treatment options for its many symptoms. They include:
Even after getting a proper diagnosis and receiving treatment, it’s important to follow-up with your healthcare provider. This is because complications and severe illness can occur, leading to permanent disability, and, in some cases, even death.
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Complications and Ongoing Management
PrognosisFor some people, symptoms will resolve and won’t return. Others may experience chronic rash outbreaks and other symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Prognosis
For some people, symptoms will resolve and won’t return. Others may experience chronic rash outbreaks and other symptoms for the rest of their lives.
Complications associated with heliotrope rash and dermatomyositis include:
These complications can be fatal, especially in people with other medical conditions including lung failure, pneumonia, severe muscle weakness, and nutritional deficiency.
A major cause of death in people with heliotrope rash is underlying cancer or lung disease (i.e., not the rash itself). People with anti-MDA-5 antibodies have a particularly poor disease outcome, even with treatment.
Autoimmune Diseases That Can Be Fatal
When to Seek Immediate Medical Support
If you’re experiencingmuscle weaknessand other symptoms of heliotrope rash, contact your healthcare provider about next steps.Working with a healthcare team, sticking with treatment, and learning about self-monitoring symptoms is important to help manage the often unpredictable nature of heliotrope rash.
Summary
Heliotrope rash is a purple or violet rash on the eye area and upper eyelids. It is a telltale symptom of dermatomyositis. While it is a rare disease with no cure, seeking proper diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms is essential to improving disease outcome and reducing risk of possible complications.
6 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.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dermatomyositis.National Organization for Rare Diseases.Dermatomyositis.Penn Medicine.Dermatomyositis.DeWane ME, Waldman R, Lu K.Dermatomyositis: clinical features and pathogenesis.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(2):283-296. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.105Boston Children’s Hospital.Juvenile dermatomyositis.Chauhan R, Raina V, and Nandi SP.Prevalence of autoimmune diseases and its challenges in diagnosis.Critical reviews in immunology.2019;39(3):189–201. doi:10.1615/CritRevImmunol.2019031798
6 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.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dermatomyositis.National Organization for Rare Diseases.Dermatomyositis.Penn Medicine.Dermatomyositis.DeWane ME, Waldman R, Lu K.Dermatomyositis: clinical features and pathogenesis.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(2):283-296. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.105Boston Children’s Hospital.Juvenile dermatomyositis.Chauhan R, Raina V, and Nandi SP.Prevalence of autoimmune diseases and its challenges in diagnosis.Critical reviews in immunology.2019;39(3):189–201. doi:10.1615/CritRevImmunol.2019031798
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.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dermatomyositis.National Organization for Rare Diseases.Dermatomyositis.Penn Medicine.Dermatomyositis.DeWane ME, Waldman R, Lu K.Dermatomyositis: clinical features and pathogenesis.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(2):283-296. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.105Boston Children’s Hospital.Juvenile dermatomyositis.Chauhan R, Raina V, and Nandi SP.Prevalence of autoimmune diseases and its challenges in diagnosis.Critical reviews in immunology.2019;39(3):189–201. doi:10.1615/CritRevImmunol.2019031798
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dermatomyositis.
National Organization for Rare Diseases.Dermatomyositis.
Penn Medicine.Dermatomyositis.
DeWane ME, Waldman R, Lu K.Dermatomyositis: clinical features and pathogenesis.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(2):283-296. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.105
Boston Children’s Hospital.Juvenile dermatomyositis.
Chauhan R, Raina V, and Nandi SP.Prevalence of autoimmune diseases and its challenges in diagnosis.Critical reviews in immunology.2019;39(3):189–201. doi:10.1615/CritRevImmunol.2019031798
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