Dermatomyositis Treatment in Riverside, CA

Overview of Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is one of the inflammatory myopathies. These are a group of rare diseases. They cause long-lasting swelling in the muscles and make them weak. Some also cause muscle pain. Dermatomyositis causes muscle weakness that slowly gets worse. It also causes a skin rash that doctors know well. Both children and adults can get it. In children, it is called juvenile dermatomyositis.

Understanding Dermatomyositis

Most inflammatory myopathies are autoimmune diseases. The immune system normally fights germs and disease. In these diseases, it attacks the body instead. It may attack muscle fibers, blood vessels, connective tissue, organs or joints. In dermatomyositis, the attack causes swelling in the small blood vessels that feed the muscles and the skin.

Symptoms of Dermatomyositis

Symptoms can be mild or severe. Not everyone has all of them. Common signs include:

• Weak muscles near the middle of the body, such as the hips, thighs, shoulders and upper arms. This can make it hard to climb stairs, get up from a chair or lift your arms.
• A purple or red rash on the upper eyelids, called a heliotrope rash. The skin around the eyes may also swell.
• Red, raised bumps over the knuckles, elbows or knees, called Gottron’s papules.
• Red skin on the face, neck, chest or back. It is often worse in sunlight.
• Changes in the skin around the fingernails.
• Sore muscles, tiredness and joint pain.
• Trouble swallowing or shortness of breath in some people. This happens when the disease affects the throat muscles or the lungs.

Diagnosis of Dermatomyositis

A rheumatologist looks at where you are weak and at your rash. They may order:

• Blood tests for muscle enzymes, such as creatine kinase (CK). These rise when muscles are damaged. Other blood tests look for antibodies linked to myositis.
• Electromyography (EMG). This test records the electrical activity of the muscles.
• An MRI of the muscles to show swelling.
• A muscle or skin biopsy, if needed. A tiny piece of tissue is taken to look at under a microscope.
• Breathing tests and other checks. Dermatomyositis can be linked to lung disease. In adults, it can also be linked to cancer.

Treatment of Dermatomyositis

It has no cure. But treatment can control the swelling and help you get stronger. Treatment usually has three parts. Medicines calm the immune system. Sun protection guards your skin. Physical therapy helps you rebuild and keep your muscle strength. Your care team checks your strength, blood tests and skin over time. They change your treatment as you get better.

Living With Dermatomyositis

• Protect your skin from the sun with clothing and sunscreen.
• Follow the exercise plan your care team or physical therapist gives you.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have trouble swallowing or breathing.
• Keep up with your screening tests and follow-up visits.