Dermatomyositis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Dermatomyositis treatment options include several medications and therapies to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Common treatments include:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants to control the immune system response.
- Physical therapy to maintain and rebuild muscle strength.
- Skin care products for rash management.
- Sun protection items (broad-spectrum sunscreens, protective clothing).
Some patients may benefit from intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for severe cases. Nutritional supplements might be recommended to support overall health during treatment.
Regular monitoring tools like muscle strength tests help track progress over time.
Symptoms
Dermatomyositis may develop suddenly or come on slowly over time. Two main symptoms typically appear:
Skin Rash
- Violet or dusky red coloration
- Commonly appears on the face, eyelids, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and back
- May be itchy or painful
- Often the first noticeable sign
Muscle Weakness
- Affects muscles closest to the body’s center (hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms, neck)
- Develops on both sides of the body
- Gets worse over time
- Progresses gradually
The combination of skin changes and muscle problems are hallmark signs that doctors look for when diagnosing this condition.
When to Get Medical Help
If you notice your muscles getting weak or see a rash that appears without any clear cause, you should contact your doctor right away. These symptoms might point to something that needs medical attention.
Causes
The exact cause of dermatomyositis remains unknown. However, evidence suggests it shares similarities with autoimmune conditions, where the immune system incorrectly attacks healthy body tissues.
Both genetic factors and environmental triggers likely contribute to developing this condition.
Common environmental triggers may include:
- Viral infections
- Excessive sun exposure
- Certain medications
- Tobacco use
Risk Factors
Certain factors may raise your chances of getting dermatomyositis:
- People assigned female at birth face higher risk
- Family history (genetic factors)
- Environmental triggers like:
- Viral infections
- Excess sun exposure
Related Health Issues
Dermatomyositis can lead to several complications that affect daily life. When this condition develops, patients may experience:
Swallowing Issues: The muscles in your throat can weaken, making eating difficult and potentially causing weight loss and poor nutrition.
Lung Infections: When swallowing becomes hard, food or drinks might enter your lungs instead of your stomach, leading to pneumonia.
Breathing Difficulties: Weak chest muscles can cause shortness of breath and other breathing problems.
Hard Calcium Deposits: These may form in muscles, skin, and tissues as the disease gets worse. Children with dermatomyositis tend to develop these deposits earlier and more often.
Dermatomyositis often occurs alongside other health conditions. People with this disorder might also have:
| Related Condition | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Raynaud’s phenomenon | Fingers, toes, and facial features turn pale in cold temperatures |
| Other tissue diseases | Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or Sjogren’s syndrome may develop |
| Heart problems | The heart muscle can become inflamed, sometimes leading to heart failure or rhythm issues |
| Lung disease | Scarring can make lungs stiff and cause symptoms like dry cough and breathing trouble |
| Cancer risk | Adults with dermatomyositis have a higher chance of developing certain cancers, especially ovarian cancer in women. This risk typically decreases about three years after diagnosis |
These related conditions may require their own treatments alongside management of the dermatomyositis itself.
