What is Dermatomyositis ?

Dermatomyositis is connective-tissue disease that is characterized by inflammation of the muscles and the skin. It primarily affects the skin and muscles but may affect other organs of the body. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks its own healthy cells. It affects people of any age, ethnicity, race or sex, but is more common in women than men. In children, it is known as juvenile dermatomyositis with the peak age of onset between 5-10 years old.

Causes
The cause for this condition is not known. It belongs to a group of acquired muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies. It is an inflammatory myopathy of skin and muscle. Myopathies are neuromuscular disorders in which the primary symptom is muscle weakness due to dysfunction of muscle fiber. The cause of most inflammatory myopathies is unknown. They are considered to be autoimmune disorders in which your immune system turns against normal body components. Other causes attributed to this condition are genetic predisposition and viral infections.

Symptoms
• A violet-colored or dusky red rash occurs mostly on the face, eyelids, and areas around your nails, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest and back.
• Muscle weakness or fatigue especially when climbing stairs, rising from a sitting position, or lifting the arms.
• Muscle pain or tenderness particularly in the muscles closest to the trunk, such as hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck.

Enter your e-mail address below to subscribe to GenuineAnswer's FREE newsletter:


• Fatigue, fever and weight loss. • Hardened deposits of calcium under the skin (calcinosis) especially in juvenile dermatomyositis. • Lung problems. Other less common symptoms include arthritis, shortness of breath, or difficulty swallowing or speaking. Diagnosis The characteristic rash along with muscle weakness is the first indication of dermatomyositis. Other tests a doctor may perform includes • Electromyography, a test that shows inflammation in muscles • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) • A muscle biopsy • Blood tests to detect muscle enzymes and markers of inflammation
Treatment Treatment for dermatomyositis focuses on controlling the muscle disease and skin symptoms and includes the following: Corticosteroids These medications help by limiting the production of antibodies and reducing skin and muscle inflammation. Immunosuppressants If corticosteroids do not help, other immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine or methotrexate may be prescribed. Antimalarial medications To heal a persistent rash, an antimalarial medication such as hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine phosphate may be prescribed. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) Intravenous infusion of antibodies from a group of donors is an expensive treatment that is still under investigation. It is an option for patients whose dermatomyositis is severe or resistant to other forms of therapy. Physical therapy Exercises to maintain and improve your muscle strength and flexibility. Surgery Surgery may be an option to remove painful calcium deposits. Pain relievers Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used to treat any accompanying pain. Complications Dermatomyositis can lead to other complications and conditions: • Dysphagia You may have problems swallowing leading to weight loss and malnutrition. It may also lead to food or liquids entering your lungs leading to pneumonia. • Gastrointestinal ulceration and bleeding can occur. • Calcinosis Deposits of calcium in your muscles, skin and connective tissues can occur. • Raynaud's phenomenon This is a condition in which your fingers, toes, cheeks, nose and ears turn pale when exposed to cold temperatures. • Other connective tissue diseases Diseases that affect tissues in your muscles and joints sometimes occur in conjunction with each other. Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and Sjogren's syndrome can occur in combination with dermatomyositis. • Cardiovascular disease The muscles of your heart could become inflamed. In a small number of people who have dermatomyositis, congestive heart failure and heart arrhythmias may develop.
• Lung disease Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of disorders that cause scarring of lung tissue, making lungs stiff and inelastic. • Cancer Dermatomyositis in adults has been linked to an increased likelihood of cancer particularly of the lungs, breasts, ovaries and gastrointestinal tract. Early diagnosis is essential for this disease in order to avoid or treat complications. To prevent calcinosis, it is essential that the disease is diagnosed early in children. Calcinosis is a condition that is difficult to treat. Living with dermatomyositis Dermatomyositis is a life long condition that needs to be managed through medication. In addition to medication prescribed by your doctor, you can do the following to effectively deal with this condition:

Knowledge Knowing and understanding your condition will give you a measure of control
Read all you can about dermatomyositis and other autoimmune disorders.
Talk to people who have a similar condition.
Ask your doctor questions about your diagnosis and treatment.

Following your treatment plan It is imperative that you follow the treatment plan that your doctor has put in place. Consider yourself a part of the medical team and keep your doctor updated on any new signs or symptoms you may experience.

Exercise Regularly Follow the exercise program set out by your doctor to strengthen your muscles and be active. Learn to pace yourself so that you can maintain a consistent level of energy and feel better emotionally. Remember to include stretching in your exercise program for flexibility.

Wear sunscreen Areas affected by your rash are more sensitive to the sun, so wear protective clothing or high-protection sunscreen when you go out.

Use aids Save your energy by using power appliances like battery-operated toothbrushes, electric can openers and power screwdrivers.

Emotional factors Denial, anger and frustration are normal feelings when you must deal with an illness of this kind. Try to maintain your daily routine as best you can and continue doing things you enjoy. Try to find a support group that can be a helpful resource for you.

Article Contributed By: Jaya Suresh


	Did you like what you read here ? Would you like to be updated about similar stuff in the same format once a fortnight? Just sign up for our Free Newsletter, and we will send you articles twice a month about another Interesting Question - one sure to have crossed your mind sometime. GenuineAnswers.com has the Highest Quality standard. Each Article is well researched by experienced writers who work from across the globe contributing to our pool of Answers and taking us close to our Goal of providing Clear and Genuine responses to questions that we hear now and then and cross our minds from time to time. You can expect Crisp & Clear newsletters of the highest quality and ones that would be an interesting read twice a month. IMPORTANT - Please Note that, unlike many other email newsletters, subscribing to the GenuineAnswers.com newsletter will NOT result in you receiving any Spam. We have put measures in place to ensure this, and so we can Guarantee it! Sign up for the free newsletter by entering your email address below.
		Sign Up for the FREE Genuine Answers Newsletter. Guaranteed NO Spam !!

Other Categories: Health-Wellness Software-Hardware Fruits-Food-Drinks Money-Finance Internet-Technology-Gadgets
Sports-Leisure Babies-Kids Pets-Animals Ailments-Medicine Miscellaneous

Similar Websites: