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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.
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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/
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We
Also Suggest:
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Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your
local chapter
can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related
conditions. |
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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.
|
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Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the
information for parents and teachers, too! |
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How to Care
for Yourself |
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Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on
Message
Boards. |
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