Dermatomyositis is a muscle disease that causes inflammation and a skin rash. This disease is a form of inflammatory myopathy. Muscle weakness can occur suddenly or develop gradually. Skin rash occurs on the face, hands, neck, shoulders, chest, and back. The cause of this disease is unknown, and anyone can develop dermatomyositis, though is occurs most often in children 5-15 years old and adults 40-60 years old.
Symptoms
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness
- Purple of violet colored upper eyelids
- Purple-red skin rash
- Shortness of breath
Treatment
- Anti inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroids
- Prednisone
