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Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is a rare muscle disease. It causes inflammation and weakness in the muscles and also causes a skin rash. It can also cause joint pain in small joints of the hand and inflammation of the heart, lung, blood vessels, and digestive system.

Symptoms can affect the:

  • Skin. It often starts with a rash that's itchy, burning, patchy, and reddish or purple. The rash shows up on the eyelids, cheeks, nose, back, upper chest, elbows, knees, and knuckles. Your skin may have an unusual reaction to light (photosensitivity). You might also notice some hair loss and changes in your nails and the color of the skin. You may also develop hard bumps under the skin.

  • Muscles. As the disease gets worse, there is muscle weakness and tenderness. You may have trouble doing activities, such as climbing stairs, getting up from a seated position, lifting objects, combing your hair, and raising your head from a pillow.

  • The swallowing muscles, in severe cases. You may have trouble swallowing solids and liquids.

Experts don't know what causes dermatomyositis. But it may be an autoimmune disorder. Several genetic, immunologic, and environmental factors are part of this condition.

It may occur in anyone, at any time from infancy through old age. But it most often occurs in women between ages 40 and 60. In children, the symptoms often appear between ages 5 and 15.

This condition is usually treated with oral steroids. These slow down the disease's progression. Other medicines may also be used. Sometimes, immune-suppressing medicines, such as azathioprine or methotrexate, may be started at the same time as oral steroids. This helps prevent some of the complications of long-term steroid use. In some cases, these medicines may only be used if oral steroids don't work. Before starting your immunosuppressants, your health care provider may want to be sure that you have received all recommended vaccines.

Skin rash from dermatomyositis can be managed by protecting your skin from the sun. You may also use anti-itch ointments and other medicines that you put on the skin or take by mouth.

Dermatomyositis may be linked to a higher risk of certain types of cancer. These include breast, ovarian, stomach, lung, and colorectal cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Your health care provider may do periodic screening exams.

Home care

These guidelines will help you care for yourself at home.

  • The rash is sensitive to sunlight. Protect yourself from the sun with hats and cover-up clothing, and use sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

  • If you have muscle aches, rest as needed.

  • Light exercise and physical activity can help keep your muscles in the best shape possible. Talk with your health care provider about an exercise plan that's right for you. You may need to see a physical therapist. If muscle inflammation is severe, you may be advised to rest and to avoid physical activities.

  • You may use over-the-counter medicine as directed to control pain, unless another medicine was prescribed. Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease, a stomach ulcer, or gastrointestinal bleeding. If you were prescribed prednisone, don’t take ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

  • Talk with your provider before trying to get pregnant.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised. For more information, contact:

When to get medical care

Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if you have:

  • A small amount of blood in the stool (black or red color).

  • A change in bowel or bladder habits.

  • Coughing or hoarseness that doesn't go away.

  • Trouble swallowing.

  • A fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

  • Belly pain.

  • A thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere.

  • Unexpected weight loss.

  • Vision changes.

Call 911

Call 911 if you have:

  • Dizziness or fainting.

  • Shortness of breath.

  • Weakness. 

  • A large amount of blood in the stool (black or red color).

Online Medical Reviewer: Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Vinita Wadhawan Researcher
Date Last Reviewed: 3/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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