What is dermatomyositis?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease impacting the muscles and causing a skin rash. Dermatomyositis, like other inflammatory diseases, results from the immune system turning on the body and attacking even healthy cells.
Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease impacting the muscles and causing a skin rash. Dermatomyositis, like other inflammatory diseases, results from the immune system turning on the body and attacking even healthy cells. More -
Dermatomyositis (dur-muh-to-mi-uh-SI-tis) is a disease in which muscles weaken and skin becomes inflamed. The muscles in the hips and shoulders are most often affected, but muscle weakness may be widespread throughout the body.
Dermatomyositis also causes a skin rash. It is often a red or purple rash found on the face. Another rash may occur elsewhere on the body, often on the hands. This rash is what distinguishes dermatomyositis from polymyositis, a similar disease.
Dermatomyositis (dur-muh-to-mi-uh-SI-tis) is a disease in which muscles weaken and skin becomes inflamed. The muscles in the hips and shoulders are most often affected, but muscle weakness may be widespread throughout the body. Dermatomyositis also... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Dermatomyositis (DM) is characterized by a rash which precedes or accompanies muscle weakness. The cause is unknown. The rash looks like patchy, bluish-purple discolorations on the face, neck, shoulders, upper chest, elbows, knees, knuckles, or back. Some people may also develop calcium deposits, which appear as hard bumps under the skin. People all over the world can suffer from dermatomyositis, and women are at least two times more likely to suffer from dermatomyositis than men.Dermatomyositis (DM) is characterized by a rash which precedes or accompanies muscle weakness. The cause is unknown. The rash looks like patchy, bluish-purple discolorations on the face, neck, shoulders, upper chest, elbows, knees, knuckles, or... More -
Healthwise answered:Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes inflammation of the skin and muscles. The inflammation can cause an itchy rash and skin thickening, as well as muscle weakness and pain.
Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease, in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own tissues. The disease mainly affects middle-aged women. It is treated with medicines to control inflammation and with physical therapy to help relieve muscle problems.
Some people who have dermatomyositis may get better within a few years. Others may have persistent problems that, in some cases, may affect other organs and become severe.
Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes inflammation of the skin and muscles. The inflammation can cause an itchy rash and skin thickening, as well as muscle weakness and pain. Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease, in which the... More -
Riverside Center for Neurosciences answered:Dermatomyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases known as the inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. Dermatomyositis’ cardinal symptom is a skin rash that precedes, accompanies, or follows progressive muscle weakness. The rash looks patchy, with purple or red discolorations, and characteristically develops on the eyelids and on muscles used to extend or straighten joints, including knuckles, elbows, knees, and toes. Red rashes may also occur on the face, neck, shoulders, upper chest, back, and other locations, and there may be swelling in the affected areas. The rash sometimes occurs without obvious muscle involvement. Adults with dermatomyositis may experience weight loss, a low-grade fever, inflamed lungs, and be sensitive to light such that the rash or muscle disease gets worse. Children and adults with dermatomyositis may develop calcium deposits, which appear as hard bumps under the skin or in the muscle (called calcinosis). Calcinosis most often occurs 1 to 3 years after the disease begins. These deposits are seen more often in children with dermatomyositis than in adults. In some cases of dermatomyositis, distal muscles (muscles located away from the trunk of the body, such as those in the forearms and around the ankles and wrists) may be affected as the disease progresses. Dermatomyositis may be associated with collagen-vascular or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
This information is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Dermatomyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases known as the inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. Dermatomyositis’ cardinal symptom is a skin rash that... More
