Dermatomyositis
Information Page |
NINDS is part of the
National Institutes of
Health
Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Dermatomyositis?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
Related NINDS Publications and Information
Additional resources from MEDLINEplus
What is Dermatomyositis?
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 or accompanies progressive muscle weakness. The rash looks patchy, with bluish-purple or red discolorations, and characteristically develops on the eyelids and on muscles used to extend or straighten joints, including knuckles, elbows, heels, 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 or a low-grade fever, have inflamed lungs, and be sensitive to light. 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 1-3 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.
Is there any treatment? There is no cure for dermatomyositis, but the symptoms can be treated. Options include medication, physical therapy, exercise,
heat therapy (including microwave and ultrasound), orthotics and assistive devices, and rest. The standard treatment for
dermatomyositis is a corticosteroid drug, given either in pill form or intravenously. Immunosuppressant drugs, such as azathioprine
and methotrexate, may reduce inflammation in people who do not respond well to prednisone. Periodic treatment using intravenous
immunoglobulin can also improve recovery. Other immunosuppressive agents used to treat the inflammation associated with dermatomyositis
include cyclosporine A, cyclophosphamide, and tacrolimus. Physical therapy is usually recommended to prevent muscle atrophy
and to regain muscle strength and range of motion. Many individuals with dermatomyositis may need a topical ointment, such
as topical corticosteroids, for their skin disorder. They should wear a high-protection sunscreen and protective clothing.
Surgery may be required to remove calcium deposits that cause nerve pain and recurrent infections.
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Muscular Dystrophy Association 3300 East Sunrise Drive Tucson, AZ 85718-3208 mda@mdausa.org http://www.mda.org Tel: 520-529-2000 800-344-4863 Fax: 520-529-5300 |
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association 22100 Gratiot Avenue Eastpointe East Detroit, MI 48201-2227 aarda@aarda.org http://www.aarda.org Tel: 586-776-3900 800-598-4668 Fax: 586-776-3903 |
Myositis Association 1233 20th Street, NW Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 tma@myositis.org http://www.myositis.org Tel: 202-887-0088 800-821-7356 Fax: 202-466-8940 |
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 31 Center Dr., Rm. 4C02 MSC 2350 Bethesda, MD 20892-2350 NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov http://www.niams.nih.gov Tel: 301-496-8190 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267) |
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 1968 (55 Kenosia Avenue) Danbury, CT 06813-1968 orphan@rarediseases.org http://www.rarediseases.org Tel: 203-744-0100 Voice Mail 800-999-NORD (6673) Fax: 203-798-2291 |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated April 09, 2008