What is dermatomyositis?

What is dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes muscle weakness and rashes on your skin. It’s a form of myopathy. It can also cause severe symptoms that affect your ability to breathe and swallow.

Dermatomyositis is a form of polymyositis that affects your skin in addition to your muscles.

See your provider right away if you experience any symptoms of dermatomyositis. Some cases take months to develop, but dermatomyositis can develop quickly. The sooner you begin treatment, the more likely it is you can avoid having severe complications.

In rare cases, dermatomyositis can be fatal, especially in the first year after symptoms start. It can also increase your risk of developing certain kinds of cancer.

Dermatomyositis vs lupus

Dermatomyositis is similar to lupus and other autoimmune diseases. However, experts aren’t sure what causes dermatomyositis, so it’s not classified as an autoimmune condition.

If you have lupus, you might experience joint pain, skin sensitivities and rashes, and issues with your internal organs (brain, lungs, kidneys and heart). Many of your symptoms might come and go in waves — often called flare-ups.

Dermatomyositis causes muscle weakness and degeneration (tissue death) and a rash on your skin. It’s diagnosed with blood tests, biopsies and imaging tests.

Both dermatomyositis and lupus need diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Visit your provider right away if notice any new symptoms.