Autoimmune/Rheumatic

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an uncommon inflammatory disease characterized by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. It belongs to the group of inflammatory myopathies. The disease can affect adults and children. In adults, dermatomyositis may be associated with a higher risk of cancer. In children, it causes skin changes and muscle weakness.

7

Symptoms

3

Causes

5

Treatments

1

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Dermatomyositis. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Skin rash (heliotrope rash on eyelids, Gottron's papules on knuckles)
  • Progressive muscle weakness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hardening skin deposits under skin (calcinosis) in children
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever

Causes

  • Autoimmune attack on muscle and skin blood vessels
  • Possible viral trigger
  • Association with cancer in adults (paraneoplastic)

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests (CK, myositis-specific antibodies)
  • EMG
  • MRI of muscles
  • Skin or muscle biopsy
  • Cancer screening in adults

Treatment

  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate)
  • IVIG
  • Biologic agents (rituximab)
  • Sun protection for skin manifestations

Risk Factors

  • Age 40–60 (adults), 5–15 (juvenile)
  • Female sex
  • Caucasian or Asian descent

Prevention

  • No known prevention

Prevalence

Rare; incidence of 1–10 per million per year.