 Dermatomyositis
What is Dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is an acquired
disorder due to inflammation in muscle and skin. Children and adults may
both be affected and females are more likely to obtain it than males.
The symptoms are weakness, muscle soreness, bumps of calcium deposits
under the skin, and a red, scaly rash on the elbows, knees, chest, and
face. The presence of the rash usually comes before the muscle weakness,
and it helps distinguish the disorder as dermatomyositis. Also, approximately
one-half of the people with dermatomyositis will have troubles swallowing.
What Causes Dermatomyositis?
The exact cause is uncertain. A
few different theories exist as to the cause of dermatomyositis. One thought
is that being around certain chemicals or viruses etc, will cause dermatomyositis
in people with specific genetics in their family. The idea is that certain
proteins within the body destroy the body's tissues.
How is Dermatomyositis
Diagnosed?
EMGs cannot diagnose dermatomyositis,
but can eliminate the possibility of another disease that performs similarly.
Other options that help to diagnose dermatomyositis are MRIs, muscle biopsies,
and creatine kinase tests (a type of blood test).
How is Dermatomyositis
Treated?
Treatment begins with oral steroids
like prednisone and other immune system modifying drugs may sometimes
be required. Physical therapy is used to help as well. The response to
treatment is variable, but improvement is usually expected.
To Find a Specialist
To find a physician board-certified
to conduct needle EMGs and nerve conduction studies click here:www.abemexam.org
For More Information
Myositis Association of America:
www.myositis.org
National Organization for Rare
Disorders (NORD): www.rarediseases.org
Muscular Dystrophy Association:
www.mdausa.org
National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke: www.ninds.nih.gov
American Autoimmune Related Diseases
Association: www.aarda.org
Arthritis Foundation: www.arthritis.org
To
Main Patient Resources Page
|
