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Dermatomyositis Reviewed 11-08-2001 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Dermatomyositis?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations Related NINDS Publications and Information What is Dermatomyositis? Dermatomyositis is one of a group of acquired muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies. The disease, which has a subacute (somewhat short and relatively severe) onset, affects both children and adults. Females are more often affected than males. Dermatomyositis is characterized by a rash accompanying, or more often, preceding muscle weakness. The rash is described as patchy, bluish-purple discolorations on the face, neck, shoulders, upper chest, elbows, knees, knuckles, and back. Some patients may also develop hardened bumps of calcium deposits under the skin. The most common symptom is muscle weakness, usually affecting those muscles that are closest to the trunk of the body (proximal). Eventually, patients have difficulty rising from a sitting position, climbing stairs, lifting objects, or reaching overhead. In some cases, distal muscles (those not close to the trunk of the body) may be affected later in the course of the disease. Trouble with swallowing (dysphagia) may occur. Occasionally, the muscles ache and are tender to touch. Patients may also feel fatigue and discomfort and have weight loss or a low-grade fever. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Myositis Association
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Related NINDS Publications and Information
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