What is Dermatomyositis Disease?

Dermatomyositis Disease Causes, Key Symptoms & Treatment

Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes progressive muscle weakness and characteristic skin rashes. Although it may happen at any age, it is most often found in adults between 40 and 60 and children aged 5 to 15. The disease is marked by the body’s immune system attacking and damaging muscle fibres and skin tissues.

However, because it shares features with other diseases, identifying it as soon as possible and undertaking thorough management helps to prevent complications. Keep reading to learn more about dermatomyositis, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

What are the Causes of Dermatomyositis?

The reason behind dermatomyositis has not yet been determined. Some experts think it is an autoimmune disorder, with the immune system attacking the muscles and skin of the patient. However, several factors may contribute to its development, such as:

• Genetic Predisposition: A person with a family history of autoimmune problems may have a higher risk.
• Viral Infections: Certain infections can cause the body’s defence system to malfunction.
• Malignancies: Among adults, dermatomyositis is often associated with the presence of lung, breast or gastrointestinal tract cancer.
• Environmental Triggers: The disease can begin in genetically susceptible people with viral infections, certain medicines, or UV light exposure.

What are the Common Symptoms of Dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis involves symptoms affecting muscles and the skin. These can vary in severity, such as:

Muscle-related Symptoms

• Damage to proximal muscles affects the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck, causing weakness.
• Trouble climbing stairs, getting up from chairs, or lifting things.

Skin-related symptoms

• Heliotrope Rash: A violet or dusky red rash usually appears on the eyelids, often accompanied by swelling.
• Gottron's Papules: Raised, scaly bumps that develop on the knuckles, elbows or knees.
• Shawl Sign: A rash developing across the upper back and shoulders.
• V Sign: A V-shaped rash is seen on the chest.

Systemic Symptoms

• Feeling tired, a slight fever, losing weight and joint pain.
• It affects certain organs such as the lungs, heart or gut.

How is Dermatomyositis Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose dermatomyositis by examining physical symptoms, running tests, imaging procedures and performing a biopsy. Key diagnostic approaches include:

• Blood Tests: Elevated levels of muscle enzymes, especially creatine kinase (CK) and aldolase, are found.
• Autoantibody Panels: Detection of specific autoantibodies present in dermatomyositis.
• Electromyography (EMG): Evaluates the electrical energy in muscles to locate unusual behaviour.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Identifies areas of muscle inflammation.
• Muscle or Skin Biopsy: Shows signs of inflammation and changes specific to the disease.

What is the Post-Diagnosis Care for Dermatomyositis?

Doctors must regularly observe patients with dermatomyositis to notice signs of improvement and possible problems. Key aspects of care include:

• Regular Monitoring: To assess disease progression and treatment efficacy.
• Cancer Screening: Particularly important in adult patients due to the association with malignancies.
• Sun Protection: Essential to prevent exacerbation of skin symptoms.
• Vaccinations: Recommended to prevent infections, especially when on immunosuppressive therapy.

What are the Treatment Options for Dermatomyositis?

Although there is no cure for dermatomyositis, symptoms can often be managed with medical interventions and supportive care, such as:

Medications

The table below presents the list of medications and how they help manage dermatomyositis:

Supportive Therapies

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on maintaining and increasing your muscle strength and flexibility.
• Speech Therapy: It is helpful if the muscles used for swallowing are impaired.
• Dietary Counselling: Helps patients with meals if chewing and swallowing are difficult

Can Dermatomyositis Be Prevented?

As the root cause of dermatomyositis is unclear, no specific prevention strategies exist. However, the following practices may reduce the risk of flare-ups or complications:

• Awareness of Symptoms: Early recognition of muscle weakness and skin changes can prompt timely medical evaluation.
• Regular Health Check-ups: Facilitate early diagnosis and management of potential triggers or associated conditions.
• Genetic Counselling: This may benefit individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases.

Dermatomyositis is a complex autoimmune disorder that requires early diagnosis, multidisciplinary treatment, and consistent follow-up. Understanding its symptoms, risks, and treatment options can significantly improve the quality of life of those affected.

Although dermatomyositis has no known cure, timely medical intervention and structured care can help control its impact and prevent complications. Thus, it is advisable to have health insurance to secure your health and finances during critical emergencies.

At Star Health, we offer coverage for various health conditions under our tailored insurance plans. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.

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