Dermatomyositis is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by inflammation of the muscles and the skin. It is a rare condition that primarily affects the muscles and the skin, but it can also involve other organs such as the lungs, joints, and blood vessels.
The term dermatomyositis is derived from Greek words: "derma" meaning skin, "myo" meaning muscle, and "itis" meaning inflammation. The condition causes characteristic skin rash, muscle weakness, and often involves systemic symptoms.
The skin manifestations in dermatomyositis typically present as a reddish or purple rash on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, back, or extremities. This rash is often referred to as a "heliotrope rash" due to the similarity to the color of the flower. Additionally, individuals with dermatomyositis may experience other skin abnormalities such as raised patches of dry skin, scaling, or a speckled appearance.
Muscle weakness is another hallmark feature of dermatomyositis, often affecting the muscles closest to the trunk, such as those in the neck, shoulder, hip, and thigh areas. This weakness can lead to difficulty in performing activities that require muscle strength, such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or combing hair.
While the exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response, causing inflammation and damage to the muscles and skin. Treatment for dermatomyositis typically includes medications to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation, physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength and function, and regular monitoring to detect potential complications.
