Dermatomyositis
What is Dermatomyositis ?
Dermatomyositis (dur-muh-toe-my-uh-SY-tis) is an uncommon inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash.
The condition can affect adults and children. In adults, dermatomyositis usually occurs in the late 40s to early 60s. In children, it most often appears between 5 and 15 years of age. Dermatomyositis affects more females than males.
There’s no cure for dermatomyositis, but periods of symptom improvement can occur. Treatment can help clear the skin rash and help you regain muscle strength and function.
Symptoms
- Hard sitting upright
- Hard getting up from a seated position
- Problem climbing stairs
- Problem getting up after lying down
- Problem washing your hair
- Rash on eyelids and around your eyes
- Rash on chest and the front of your shoulders
- Rash on neck and the back of your shoulders
- Rash on scalp
- Discoloration and bumps on hand
- Calcium deposits under your skin
- Joint pain
Cause
The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, but the disease has much in common with autoimmune disorders, in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body tissues. Genetic and environmental factors also might play a role. Environmental factors could include viral infections, sun exposure, certain medications and smoking.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop dermatomyositis, it is more common in people assigned female at birth. Genetics and environmental factors including viral infections and sun exposure also may increase the risk of developing dermatomyositis.
When to see a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you develop muscle weakness or an unexplained rash.