Dermatomyositis

What Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
What Are the Effects?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Resources and Suggestions

What Is It?

Dermatomyositis (der-MA-toe-MY-oh-sigh-tis) is a rare, autoimmune disease that results in patchy red rashes over the knuckles, around the eyes or in other parts of the body. Dermatomyositis ("dermato" refers to skin) is a form of myositis ("myo" means muscle and "itis" means inflammation) which involves inflammation of the muscles that results in damage to muscle fibers and skin. All forms of myositis involve chronic muscle inflammation, and may be associated with other forms of connective tissue diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

What Causes It?

The cause is unknown, however some researchers believe that myositis results when a person with a certain genetic background is exposed to particular chemicals, viruses or other infectious agents.

What Are the Symptoms?

• Symptoms include muscle weakness, skin changes and arthritis.
• Skin changes include a bumpy patches, reddish or purplish rash on the face; around the eyes (heliotrope rash); on the knuckles, elbows or knees (Gottron's papules); or over the chest or back.

What Are the Effects?

• In most people the illness develops slowly over months or years. In some it can occur suddenly.
• This autoimmune disease results in the production of proteins called autoantibodies which attack the body's tissues.
• It is a disease of flares and remissions for no apparent reason.

How Is It Diagnosed?

• It can be difficult to diagnosis because it may resemble many other diseases and varies from person to person.
• Medical history and physical exam
• Blood tests for autoantibodies and muscle enzymes. A muscle enzyme test called creatine kinase, or CK, is most useful since the CK level tends to go up as the disease flares and down when it diminishes.
• Electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical pattern of the muscles (like EKG of heart).
• Muscle biopsy to see how muscle tissues have changed.

Treatment Options

• Treatments may include: exercise and physical therapy approved by your doctor.
• Heat treatments
• Medications: Corticosteroids, Immunosuppressants
• Rest

Resources and Suggestions

• Visit Your Arthritis Store to request the free Myositis brochure.
• Myositis Association of America
  755 Cantrell Ave., Suite C
  Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  540-433-7686
  http://www.myositis.org/

We Also Suggest:

• Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
• Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
• Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
• Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
• Arthritis Today Drug Guide
• Alternative and Complementary Therapies
• Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
• Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
• Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
• How to Care for Yourself
• Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.