Dermatomyositis Overview
Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory autoimmune disease, a condition that causes distinctive skin rash and muscle weakness. Symptoms can include a red skin rash around the eyelids, red bumps around the joints, and muscle weakness in the arms and legs. Muscle weakness gets worse over time and can lead to stiff joints and muscle wasting.
Dermatomyositis Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis can appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. These features may be different from person to person. Some people may have more symptoms than others and symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common signs and symptoms include:- Skin changes- A violet-colored or dusky red rash develops, most commonly on the face and eyelids and on the knuckles, elbows, knees, chest and back. The rash, which can be itchy and painful, is often the first sign of dermatomyositis.
- Muscle weakness- Progressive muscle weakness involves the muscles closest to the trunk, such as those in the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck. The weakness affects both the left and right sides of the body, and tends to gradually worsen.
Causes of Dermatomyositis
The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, but the disease has much in common with autoimmune disorders, in which the 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.
Dermatomyositis Complications
Complications of dermatomyositis include:
- Difficulty swallowing- when the muscles in the esophagus are affected, dermatomyositis patients can have problems swallowing, which can cause weight loss and malnutrition.
- Aspiration pneumonia- Difficulty in swallowing can also cause dermatomyositis patients to breathe food or liquids, including saliva, into their own lungs.
- Breathing problems- If the condition affects the chest muscles, the dermatomyositis patients might have breathing problems, such as shortness of breath.
- Calcium deposits- These can occur in the muscles, skin and connective tissues as the dermatomyositis disease progresses. These deposits are more common in children with dermatomyositis and develop earlier in the course of the disease.
Dermatomyositis Associated Conditions
Dermatomyositis might cause other conditions which can put patients at higher risk of developing them, including:- Raynaud’s Phenomenon- This condition causes the fingers, toes, cheeks, nose and ears to turn pale when exposed to cold temperatures.
- Other connective tissue diseases- Other conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and Sjogren’s syndrome can occur with dermatomyositis.
- Cardiovascular disease. Dermatomyositis can cause heart muscle inflammation. In some dermatomyositis patients, congestive heart failure and heart rhythm problems develop.
- Lung disease. Interstitial lung disease can occur with dermatomyositis. Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of disorders that cause scarring of lung tissue, making the lungs stiff and inelastic. Signs include a dry cough and shortness of breath.
- Cancer– Chronic Dermatomyositis in adult patients has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing cancer, particularly ovarian cancer in women. Risk of cancer appears to level off three years or so after a diagnosis of dermatomyositis.
