All about dermatomyositis  causes of dermatomyositis symptoms of dermatomyositis diagnosis of dermatomyositis treatment for dermatomyositis |
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What are the symptoms of dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is characterised by a rash accompanying, or more often, preceding muscle weakness. The rashes include purple discoloration around the eyes, a patchy reddish rash around the neck, shoulders and upper chest and a scaly rash
over the elbows, knees, knuckles and back. Skin manifestations are usually present in the early phase of the disease and they may even precede the muscle problems. In some cases the muscle problems are less important than the skin manifestations. Typical skin symptoms are erythema (redness) and swelling of the skin by oedema (accumulation of excessive amount of fluid in tissues). These symptoms occur on spots exposed to sunlight, but may also be limited to some skin rashes, e.g. on the face. Muscle weakness usually affects those muscles that are closest to the trunk of the body (proximal). Patients characteristically have difficulty rising from a sitting position, climbing stairs, lifting objects or reaching overhead, for example combing hair or packing shelves. Rarely, distal muscles (those not close to the trunk of the body) may be affected. Trouble with swallowing (dysphagia) may occur. Occasionally, the muscles ache and are tender to touch. Patients may also feel fatigue and discomfort and have weight loss or a low-grade fever. The symptoms of childhood dermatomyositis are similar to those associated with the adult form of the disorder. However, onset is usually more sudden. In addition, abnormal accumulations of calcium deposits (calcifications) in muscle and skin tissues as well as involvement of the digestive (gastrointestinal [GI]) tract are more common in the childhood form of dermatomyositis. |
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More information on dermatomyositis
What is dermatomyositis? - Dermatomyositis is one of a group of inflammatory muscle diseases. It is a subtype of inflammatory muscle disease.
What causes dermatomyositis? - The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown. Dermatomyositis belongs to a group of conditions called inflammatory myopathies.
What're the symptoms of dermatomyositis? - Dermatomyositis is characterised by a rash accompanying. The rashes include purple discoloration around the eyes.
How is dermatomyositis diagnosed? - Dermatomyositis is diagnosed through a thorough physical exam and the characteristic symptoms.
What's the treatment for dermatomyositis? - The primary aim of treatment is to control the skin disease and the muscle disease. Treatment for dermatomyositis consists of prednisone. |
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