Dermatomyositis Symptoms

Dermatomyositis symptoms include skin rash and muscle weakness along with pain. The following article will cover some detailed information regarding dermatomyositis symptoms and its treatment.

Dermatomyositis is a muscle disease that is a type of inflammatory myopathy. It is a connective tissue disease that involves skin and muscle inflammation. Dermatomyositis can occur at any age, but commonly seen in people of age group in late 40s and early 60s. It is also commonly seen in children between the age of 5 to 15 years. Mostly, women are more prone to dermatomyositis than men. The dermatomyositis symptoms develop gradually over weeks or months.

Dermatomyositis Causes

The dermatomyositis causes are unknown and is thought to develop after a viral infection of the muscles. It may also be due to the abnormal immunological factors that attack the muscle tissue. Polymyositis is similar to dermatomyositis, but the symptoms of polymyositis do not include the characteristic skin rash of dermatomyositis.

Symptoms of Dermatomyositis

The common dermatomyositis symptoms are as follows:

Violet or Dusky Red Rash: This is the most common dermatomyositis symptoms, wherein, rash is observed on the face, eyelids, around the nails, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest and back. The rash has a bluish-purple like color and is often the first symptom of dermatomyositis.

Progressive Muscle Weakness: The second most important dermatomyositis symptoms is progressive muscle weakness that affects muscles that are closest to the chest. These muscles include the muscles of the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck. The symmetrical proximal muscle weakness, gradually worsens with time.

There are many other symptoms of dermatomyositis, that include:

Shortness of breath

Dyspagia (Difficulty in swallowing)

Difficulty is lifting objects

Muscle pain

Muscle tenderness

Fatigue

Weight loss

Scaly scalp and thinning of hair

Difficulty in climbing stairs

Purple spots on the bony prominences

Hardened deposits of calcium under the skin

Gastrointestinal ulcers and infections

Associated Conditions with Dermatomyositis

When one develops dermatomyositis, they become susceptible to development of other medical conditions. These medical conditions include:

Raynaud's Phenomenon: Here the fingers, toes, cheeks, nose and ears become pale when they are exposed to cold temperatures.

Cardiovascular Disease: The heart muscles may develop cardiovascular diseases like myocarditis. Thus, people with dermatomyositis are at a risk of heart failure or heart arrhythmias.

Connective Tissue Diseases: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sclerodema and Sjogren's syndrome are the other common tissue diseases that may develop along with dermatomyositis.

Lung Disease: Interstitial lung diseases where scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue occurs may be seen along with dermatomyositis. Dry cough and shortness of breath are symptoms of interstitial lung disease.

Cancer: The chances of developing cancer of the cervix, lungs, pancreas, breasts, ovaries and gastrointestinal tract is very high in adults with dermatomyositis.

Dermatomyositis Treatment

This is an autoimmune disease and has no specific cure. However, dermatomyositis treatment will help to strengthen the muscles and increase their functions along with skin improvement. The drugs for dermatomyositis treatment include corticosteroids that suppress the immune system. Thus, the production of antibodies decreases and the skin and muscle inflammation reduces. Prednisone is usually prescribed for the treatment of dermatomyositis.

Corticosteroids-sparing agents are prescribed to decrease the side effects of corticosteroids or if the corticosteroids treatment does not work. Azathioprine or methotrexate are prescribed alone or in combination with corticosteroids. Antimalarial medications like hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine are prescribed for persistent rash.

You need to continue exercising to help build your muscle strength. Speak to your doctor regarding the suitable exercises and then start with an exercise program. Take plenty of rest and do not overexert yourself. Whenever you move outdoors, make sure you wear a protective sunscreen and clothing to avoid skin sensitivity. You can read more on dermatomyosotis - causes, symptoms and treatment.

This was some information on dermatomyositis symptoms. Do not get frustrated or angry with your condition. Accept your illness and take a positive approach to counter its effects. Maintain your daily routine, as much as possible. Ask for support from friends and family to help you sail through the tough time. With proper medical treatment, you will be able to control and keep in check dermatomyositis.