Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash.

This condition affects children between the age of 5-15 and adults between the age of 40-60. it affects more women than men.

The exact cause of Dermatomyositis is unknown. However, it has many similarities to an autoimmune disease. Experts suggest that it may be due to a viral infection of the muscles or a problem with the body's immune system. It can also occur in patients who have cancer in the abdomen, lung or other parts of the body.

The symptoms of Dermatomyositis include:

• Muscle weakness, soreness or stiffness
• Problems swallowing
• Purple-red skin rash
• Purple color to the upper eyelids
• Shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, unintentional weight loss

The treatment for Dermatomyositis include:

Anti-inflammatory medicines, corticosteroids and other drugs that suppress the immune system. Once the muscles get stronger, the doctor may tell you to slowly cut back on the dosage. In cases where a tumor is causing the condition, the muscle weakness and rash may get better once the tumor is removed.

There's no cure for most people but the symptoms can be treated. Contact your doctor if you have muscle weakness or other symptoms of this condition!