What is Dermatomyositis Disease?

This is a very rare disease characterized by muscle inflammation and rash. It falls within a group of muscle diseases that lead to inflammation and edema. However, it differs from other muscle diseases because it triggers skin problems, too. Hence, the term used to refer to both conditions are dermatomyositis.

It can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects persons between 50 and 70. Women are twice as likely as males to be diagnosed with this disorder. Some patients with the illness suffer from a connective tissue disorder, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Who does dermatomyositis affect?

Dermatomyositis can affect everyone; however certain populations are more likely to get it, including:

• Adults aged 40 to 60 are considered middle-aged.
• Children aged 5 to 15 years.
• Female or female gender is determined at birth.

What are the symptoms of dermatomyositis?

They result from swelling and inflammation within the blood vessels that feed your skin and muscles. Some possible symptoms include the following:

• Red or purple-coloured rash on the sun-exposed parts of the body, painful or itchy
• Red or purple-coloured eyelid swelling that occurs at the upper eyelid area is referred to as the heliotrope.
• Red or purple spots on the knuckles, elbows, knees, and toes (Gottron's papules).
• Raynaud's phenomenon: joints that feel weird and turn pallid and painful in cold temperatures but feel better when warmed.
• Scaly, rough, dry skin can cause hair thinning.
• Swollen, red spots around the fingernails
• Calcinosis is the formation of hard lumps beneath the skin as a result of calcium deposits.
• Muscle weakness in neck, hip, back, and shoulders.
• Trouble swallowing and voice changes
• Fatigue, fever, and weight loss.
• Muscles pain

Sometimes, muscle weakness also involves the heart, GI tract, and lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and coughing. Adults may also experience low-grade fever, lung irritation, and photophobia.

What causes dermatomyositis?

The specific cause is unknown, but possible causes include:

• Abnormal genes you are born with
• Cancer, particularly among elderly people
• Autoimmune disease: a type of illness that makes the body's immune system to react against it's own tissues
• Infection, medication, or any other exposure in your surroundings that causes the disease

How is dermatomyositis diagnosed?

The process begins with a medical history and physical examination. The doctor looks for an underlying condition, such as cancer. A variety of tests can also be performed, including:

• Blood tests: Blood tests are used to look for evidence of muscle inflammation and aberrant proteins produced by autoimmune diseases. Common blood tests include creatine kinase, a muscle enzyme, and antinuclear antibodies.
• Electromyogram (EMG): It can be used to detect aberrant electrical activity in the afflicted muscles.
• MRI: This test employs strong magnets and a computer to detect inflammation in the body.
• Skin or muscle biopsy: Small bits of tissue are removed to be examined under a microscope.

How is dermatomyositis treated?

Treatment will be based on your symptoms, age, and overall health. There is no treatment for the ailment, but symptoms can be treated. You may require more than one type of treatment. And your treatment plan may need to be modified over time. Treatments include:

• Special exercises help stretch and strengthen the muscles. In addition, orthotics or assistive devices may be employed.
• Skin treatment: You may need to avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen. To treat itchy skin rashes, your health care provider can prescribe antihistamine drugs or anti-inflammatory steroid creams applied to the skin.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: These are steroid medications or corticosteroids. They reduce inflammation in the body. They may be administered orally or intravenously.
• Immunosuppressive drugs: These are drugs that suppress or delay your body's immune response. These include the medications azathioprine, methotrexate, cyclosporine A, cyclophosphamide, and tacrolimus.
• Immunoglobulin: These drugs may be given if you have not responded to other therapies. They are donated blood products that may strengthen your immune system. They are injected directly into your circulation through an IV.
• Surgery: If calcium deposits (calcinosis) under the skin become uncomfortable or infectious, surgery may be necessary to remove them.

Discuss any prescription medications with your doctor, including the risks, benefits, and possible adverse effects.

How do I prevent dermatomyositis?

There is no known method of preventing dermatomyositis. Since no one knows what causes it, there is nothing you can do to prevent it.

What should I expect if I have dermatomyositis?

There is no cure for dermatomyositis. You can expect to control your symptoms for the rest of your life.

Even with treatment, 80% of patients develop chronic dermatomyositis (also known as polycyclic dermatomyositis). Your symptoms may vary over your life. See your provider immediately when you experience the onset of a symptom flare.

Two-thirds of people with dermatomyositis become physically disabled due to muscle damage.

How long can someone live with dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis is fatal for about 5% of those diagnosed with it. This is particularly true in the first year after diagnosis. However, about 20% of those diagnosed with dermatomyositis enter long-term remission.

Some symptoms and other factors increase your chances of dying. These include if you:

• Wait longer than six months before starting treatment.
• Are older than 60.
• Experience severe symptoms.
• Experience symptoms in your throat, lungs, or heart.
• Have or develop cancer.

When to see a doctor?

See your doctor right away if you have new muscle weakness, especially if you have a rash on your skin around the same time. Dermatomyositis should be diagnosed as soon as possible so that therapy can begin. This may minimize your risk of developing severe symptoms and problems.

Inquire with your doctor about how frequently you should plan follow-up appointments so that they can monitor your symptoms and any changes to your muscles or skin.

What questions should I ask my doctor?

• Do I have dermatomyositis or a different condition?
• What tests will I need?
• Which therapies will I need, and for how long?
• Will I need a cancer screening?

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Dermatomyositis Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Dermatomyositis treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced Neurologists, rheumatologists and dermatologists who provide accurate diagnosis and both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options including immunosuppressive therapy, medication management, and physiotherapy-based rehabilitation procedures. Our Rheumatology and Dermatology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Dermatomyositis in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Dermatomyositis Treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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