Dermatomyositis

mrsaepts
Dec 7, 2023
3 min read

BY Chutiya Chitboonthaweesuk, Phornnattha Kongsatitphan, Tanyarat Saelor

EDITED BY Pakpol Kunopasvorakul

What is Dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes muscle inflammation and skin rash. It is considered to be the major disease among the one of a group of muscle diseases that cause muscle inflammation and swelling. The difference that occurs within Dermatomyositis and other muscle diseases is it also causes skin problems, including skin rash, sun-exposed skin, etc. Therefore, it can be concluded that Dermatomyositis is the term used to describe both muscle and skin symptoms.

Causes & symptoms

Multiple researchers believed that the causes for Dermatomyositis are unknown. Additionally, it is a disease that contains the involvement of genetic and environmental factors that could play an important role in causing Dermatomyositis. However, there occurs some possible causes including the following:

Abnormal genes
Cancer, especially in elderly
An infection, medication, or another exposure in the surroundings that triggers the disease

Within the majority of people, Dermatomyositis’ symptoms are caused by swelling and inflammation in the blood vessels that supply the skin and muscles, which is able to include the following:

Red or purple rash on the sun-exposed skin areas, swelling of the upper eyelids, spots on the knuckles, elbows, knees, and toes
Paled joints, especially during the cold conditions
Swollen and red areas around the fingernails
Hard lumps beneath the skin
Muscle weakness in the area around neck, hip, back, and shoulders; Sometimes can spreads to the heart and lungs, which can cause breathing trouble and coughing
Rough, dry skin
Trouble swallowing and voice changes
Tiredness, fever, and weight loss
Muscle aches

Risk factors

Anyone can develop dermatomyositis. However, it is most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60 and children between the ages of 5 and 15. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with the disease and it affects more Black Americans than white Americans. Agents that may trigger the disease are Statins, Penicillamine, Anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs, Anti-programmed cell death drugs, Interferon, Cyclophosphamide, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine and Quinidine.

Treatment

In the present, researchers are figuring out the causes and treatments for the skin condition meaning there is no cure for Dermatomyositis yet. Even though there is no cure, the symptoms can often be managed with long-term or lifelong medications and therapy.

Medications used to treat the disease include the following:

Corticosteroids: Predinosine(Rayos) can control the symptoms very quickly but can result in serious side effects after long term usage.
Corticosteroids-sparing agents: When used with corticosteroids, they can decrease the side effects and the dose. The commonly used drugs are azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate monetized if the lungs are damaged.
Rituximab: It is originally targeted as a drug for cancer and more commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. But, it could be one of the options to help cure Dermatomyositis.
Antimalarial medications: Hydroxychloroquine might be prescribed to help with a persistent rash.
Sunscreen: Avoiding sun exposure is significant for managing the rashes.

Therapies can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. However, the common ones include:

Physical therapy: Exercises help to improve your muscles strength and flexibility.
Speech therapy: This might be needed if your swallowing muscles are affected.
Dietetic assessments: Chewing and swallowing will become harder as the condition develops.

Since Dermatomyositis is a rare and serious condition, it is important to recognize and get diagnosed as early as possible in order to prevent further effects on your health.