DM has a wide range of symptoms and seriousness, and it not simply confined to skin issues and general flu-like symptoms. Dermatomyositis can be deadly serious.

Can dermatomyositis be fatal?

DM has a wide range of symptoms and seriousness, and it not simply confined to skin issues and general flu-like symptoms. Dermatomyositis can be deadly serious.

How serious is dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are serious diseases with a disease‐related mortality of at least 10%. In the long term, myositis has a major effect on perceived disability and quality of life, despite the regained muscle strength.

What is the death rate for dermatomyositis?

Previous studies reported that the connective tissue disease PM/DM has a poor prognosis and high I-HMR. The reported 10-year survival rate ranged between 53% and 91% [4, 9–12]. A very recent population-based study from America reported a hospital mortality of 4.5% [2].

What organs does dermatomyositis affect?

Dermatomyositis mostly affects the muscles of the hips and thighs, the upper arms, the top part of the back, the shoulder area and the neck.

What virus causes dermatomyositis?

The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown. Experts think it may be due to a viral infection of the muscles or a problem with the body’s immune system. It may also occur in people who have cancer in the abdomen, lung, or other parts of the body. Anyone can develop this condition.

Is there a cure coming soon for dermatomyositis?

There’s no cure for dermatomyositis, but treatment can improve your skin and your muscle strength and function.

Can dermatomyositis make your hair fall out?

In DM, the involvement of the scalp is common, and is often characterized by a diffuse, violaceous, scaly, non-scarring and symptomatic hair loss.

What causes dermatomyositis to flare up?

Abnormal genes you are born with. Cancer, especially in older people. Autoimmune disease, a type of illness that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues. An infection, medication, or another exposure in your environment that triggers the disease.

Does dermatomyositis affect your eyes?

Ocular involvement from dermatomyositis is an uncommon but well described phenomenon [1, 2]. Apart from the characteristic heliotropic rash which affects the eyelids, retinopathy, usually producing multiple cotton wool spots, is the most common finding, and may be asymptomatic [3].

What is dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis (dur-muh-toe-my-uh-SY-tis) is an uncommon inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. The condition can affect adults and children. In adults, dermatomyositis usually occurs in the late 40s to early 60s.

What does dermatomyositis rash look like?

A violet-colored or dusky red rash develops, most commonly on your face and eyelids and on your knuckles, elbows, knees, chest and back. The rash, which can be itchy and painful, is often the first sign of dermatomyositis. Muscle weakness.

What is the prognosis of dermatomyositis?

Prognosis. Most cases of dermatomyositis respond to therapy. Some people may recover and have symptoms completely disappear. This is more common in children. In adults, death may result from severe and prolonged muscle weakness, malnutrition, pneumonia, or lung failure.

What is a skin biopsy for dermatomyositis?

A small piece of skin or muscle is removed for laboratory analysis. A skin sample can help confirm the diagnosis of dermatomyositis. A muscle biopsy might reveal inflammation in your muscles or other problems, such as damage or infection.