subject: The Reflection of Dermatomyositis [print this page] One might wonder if it is possible to have inflammation of the muscles and the skin but few knows that dermatomyositis,a connective-tissue disease related to inclusion body myositis and polymyositis, can cause the following inflammation. This disease can also affects children and it is known as juvenile dermatomyositis. So what are the main symptoms of dermatomysitis?
The main symptoms of dermatomyositis include skin rash and symmetric proximal muscle weakness which is followed by pain. It is important to note that the pain experienced varies from person to person in many ways. Some may be less painful while some may be severe. In many cases, muscle may weaken and cause the infected temporarily paralyzed, thus making them unable to get out of bed, run, swallow food and liquids and walk. Besides that, one should look out signs such as Gottron's sign, heliotrope or "lilac" rash (often associated with swelling on the upper eyelids), mechanic's hand which resembles rough, cracked skin at the tips of the finger, shawl (or V-) sign with the help of UV light, erythroderma located in forehead and so on so forth. For juvenile dermatomyositis, one can look out signs such as calcinosis cutis which is related to deposition of skin's calcium and dysphagia which is related in difficulty in swallowing.
The diagnosis of dermatomyositis can be done through blood tests, EMG, liver enzymes and muscle biopsy. Among these diagnostic tools, muscle biopsy and liver enzymes may be the most effective and major tools in assessing the progress of the disease and the efficacy of the treatment. Although this disease has no proper cure, one can go through a specialized exercise therapy to enhance the quality of life, modern medications such as azathioprine, intravenous immunoglobulin, methotrexate, mycophenolate, plasmapheresis, prednisolone, X-ray findings, chemotherapies as well as investigation to detect interstitial lung disease.
In the 21st century, there have been numerous treatments and drugs to prevent dermatomyositis from spreading too quickly. Majority of the patients today has done well for many years. However, patients who have been infected by this disease should seek for treatment as soon as possible.
