Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is a rare muscle disease that causes muscle weakness and a rash. It usually affects muscles that are closest to the trunk of your body (torso). You may have a combination of muscle weakness, pain, and swelling. This condition can make it hard to rise from a sitting position, climb stairs, lift objects, or reach over your head.
What are the causes?
The cause of this condition is not known.
What increases the risk?
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You are female.
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You have cancer.
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You have lung disease.
What are the signs or symptoms?
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Skin changes, such as:
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A bluish-purple rash that may be itchy. This often develops before the muscle weakness. It appears on the face, neck, shoulders, upper chest, elbows, knees, knuckles, and back.
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Hardened bumps of calcium deposits under the skin (especially in children).
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Muscle weakness, swelling, and pain.
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Swelling of the face and eyelids.
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Fatigue.
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Weight loss.
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Low fever.
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Heartburn due to changes in muscles of the esophagus.
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Trouble swallowing, talking, and breathing.
How is this diagnosed?
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Blood tests.
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A test to check whether your muscles are responding properly to electrical signals from your nerves (electromyogram).
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Removal of a small tissue sample from a weakened muscle to be examined under a microscope (muscle biopsy).
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Removal of a small skin sample from an area with a rash to be examined under a microscope (skin biopsy).
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Chest X-ray.
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MRI.
How is this treated?
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Immunosuppressants such as steroids. These are medicines that weaken and decrease the activity of your body’s disease-fighting system (immune system) and reduce inflammation.
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Medicine containing antibodies to help your body fight infections (immunoglobulin).
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Physical therapy and exercise to prevent muscle loss.
Follow these instructions at home:
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Wear protective clothing and high-protection sunscreen when you go outside. Areas that are affected by a rash are more sensitive to the sun.
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Use skin creams or ointments as told by your health care provider.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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If physical therapy was prescribed, do exercises as told.
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Do not eat right before bedtime. Raise (elevate) the head of your bed to decrease heartburn.
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If told by your health care provider, eat more protein in your diet.
Where to find more information
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National Organization for Rare Disorders: rarediseases.org
Contact a health care provider if:
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Your condition gets worse.
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You have unexplained muscle weakness.
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You develop a new rash.
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You have a fever and cough.
Get help right away if:
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You have difficulty swallowing.
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You develop breathing problems.
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Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away.
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Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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Dermatomyositis is a rare muscle disease that causes muscle weakness and a rash.
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You may have a combination of muscle weakness, pain, and swelling.
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Treatment may include medicines and physical therapy.
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Wear protective clothing and high-protection sunscreen when you go outside. Areas that are affected by a rash are more sensitive to the sun.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
