What Is Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is one of a group of acquired muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies (disorder of muscle tissue or muscles), which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. The cardinal symptom is a skin rash that precedes or accompanies progressive muscle weakness. Dermatomyositis usually occurs in adults from the late 40s to early 60s, but can also occur in children. Females are most affected.
Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Multiple-joint inflammation
- Muscular: muscle weakness or loss of muscle
- Pain areas: in the joints or muscles
- Pneumonia from inhaling oral secretions
- Puffy eyes
- Skin: redness, calcium deposits in the skin, darkening of the skin, dermatomyositis, mechanic’s hands (dry thick skin on palms of hands), red-purple rash with swelling on the upper eyelids and cheeks, redness around the nails, or shawl sign (darkened skin on upper back and torso)
- Weight loss
Treatments
- Aerobic activity for 20-30 minutes 5 days a week improves cardiovascular health. If injured, pursuing an activity that avoids the injured muscle group or joint can help maintain physical function while recovering
- Immunosuppressive drug
- Physical therapy
- Steroid
- Sunscreen
