Myositis (Polymyositis Dermatomyositis)

What Is It?
Treatment Options
Who Is At Risk?
Resources and Suggestions
More Information About Myositis

What It It?

Myositis (my-OH-sigh-tiss) is a rare disease that involves inflammation that results in damage to muscle fibers and skin. Myositis is a term that describes several illnesses including polymyositis, dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. Polymyositis involves inflammation of the muscles and can affect many parts of the body. When inflammation of skin involved it is called dermatomyositis.

Treatment Options

• Exercise approved by your doctor
• Medications: glucocorticoids; immunosuppressants
• Physical therapy
• Rest

Who Is At Risk?

Myositis usually affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60 and children between the ages of 5 and 15. More women than men are affected.

More Information About Myositis

Resources and Suggestions

• Visit Your Arthritis Store to request the free Myositis brochure.
• The Myositis Association (TMA)