Common Signs of Dermatomyositis

It's crucial to be vigilant as signs of dermatomyositis may develop slowly over time. The most common signs to watch out for include the following:

• Changes to the skin. Red patches (rash) develop on parts of the face and eyelids and other bodily regions like the elbows, knuckles, chest, back and knees. The rash can be painful and itchy.
• Advanced muscle weakness typically occurs in the regions closest to the trunk, like the thighs, hips, shoulders, arms and neck.

Possible Causes of Dermatomyositis

There are genetic and environmental links to the disorder, such as sun exposure, a viral infection, smoking and specific types of medications.

Diagnosing Dermatomyositis

Diagnosing a rare disorder like dermatomyositis involves a series of tests, such as the following:

• Blood tests are critical in the diagnostic process. This test can detect high levels of muscle enzymes, a strong indication of muscle damage, a key feature of dermatomyositis.
• X-ray of the chest offers insight into potential lung damage, one of the key signs of dermatomyositis.
• An MRI scan relies on powerful radio waves and magnetic fields to capture images of the inside of the body. In this case, it reveals inflammation over an expansive area of muscle.

Treatment for Dermatomyositis

Treatment helps alleviate symptoms of dermatomyositis and consists of the following:

• Drug therapy, particularly the use of corticosteroids, is a highly effective method for rapidly managing signs of dermatomyositis. While the prolonged use of corticosteroids may have side effects, it's important to remember that these drugs have been proven to be effective in many cases. Therefore, it's essential to consider all potential treatment options first but rest assured that drug therapy can be a powerful tool in your treatment plan.
• Physical therapy is advised to maintain muscle strength, flexibility and function.

FAQ