Dermatomyositis: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is dermatomyositis (dermatomyositis)?

Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammation. Symptoms include a conspicuous rash, muscle weakness, inflammation of myopathy of unknown cause, and inflammation of the muscles. Dermatomyositis is one of three inflammatory myopathies.

How common is dermatomyositis (dermatomyositis)?

This condition can be experienced by children and adults. In adults, dermatomyositis usually appears in the late 40s to early 60s. In children, it appears around 5 to 15 years of age.

Dermatomyositis affects women more often than men. For more information, contact your doctor.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis (dermatomyositis)?

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis include:

• Skin problems. Usually a purple or reddish rash will appear, especially on the face, eyelids, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and back. This rash can be painful or itchy and is often an early symptom of dermatomyositis.
• Weak muscles. Muscle weakness that occurs slowly usually starts in the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms, and neck on both the right and left sides of the body. Over time, this condition will get worse.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms above or any other questions, talk to your doctor. Especially if you experience:

• Muscle weakness
• Rash that appears without an obvious cause

Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes dermatomyositis (dermatomyositis)?

The exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown. However, this condition is similar to an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune disease occurs when the body's cells that attack the causes of disease (known as antibodies) instead attack healthy body cells.

Having a weak immune system can also make you susceptible to this condition. Your immune system can be weakened due to viral infections, cancer, and other diseases.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do doctors diagnose dermatomyositis (dermatomyositis)?

If your doctor suspects dermatomyositis, you may be asked to perform the following tests.

• Blood tests to look for increased levels of muscle enzymes such as creatinine kinase and aldolase. Raised levels of creatinine kinase and aldolase can indicate muscle damage. The blood test is also able to detect the antibodies that cause the symptoms of dermatomyositis to appear.
• Chest X-rays (X-rays) to check for lung damage which is often reported in patients with dermatomyositis.
• The doctor may insert thin needle electrodes into the skin to test for electrical (electrical) activity as the muscles are tightened and relaxed. Changes in electrical activity patterns can indicate muscle disease at a specific location.
• MRI to monitor inflammation in the muscles.
• Skin or muscle biopsy. Your skin or muscle tissue will be removed and examined in a laboratory for dermatomyositis. If a skin biopsy alone can reveal dermatomyositis, you no longer need to undergo a muscle biopsy.

How is dermatomyositis (dermatomyositis) treated?

For some people, this condition cannot be cured. However, medications such as taking medication, physical therapy, and surgery can indeed help condition the skin and muscles.

Corticosteroid drugs

You may be prescribed corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone which will decrease the immune response. This can help relieve inflammation.

As for certain people, especially children, the symptoms may completely disappear after treatment with corticosteroids. This phenomenon is known as remission. Remission of dermatomyositis can occur for a very long period of time (can recur years later) or permanently (completely cured).

Corticosteroids should not be used long-term, especially in high doses because of the potential for dangerous side effects. The doctor may also prescribe special drugs to prevent and suppress the side effects of corticosteroids, such as azathioprine and methotrexate. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for the use of corticosteroids in the treatment of dermatomyositis.

If corticosteroids don't help your condition, your doctor may prescribe other drugs to suppress your immune response.

Intravenous immunoglobin therapy (IVIG)

If you have dermatomyositis, your body will produce antibodies that will attack the skin and muscles back. Well, intravenous immunlobin therapy (IVIG) will take advantage of healthy antibodies to block the antibodies that attack the skin and muscles.

IVIG consists of various antibodies from thousands of people who have donated blood. These antibodies will be given through intravenous fluids (intravenously).

Other treatment

The doctor may also provide supportive care such as:

• Physical therapy to improve muscle function and strength while preventing damage to muscle tissue
• Anti-malarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine to treat rashes
• Surgery to remove calcium deposits
• Pain relievers

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat dermatomyositis (dermatomyositis)?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with this disease.

• Find out as much as possible about your disease. For example, by regularly checking with doctors, joining the community of people with dermatomyositis, and asking the nurses.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have any complaints or symptoms, or if the drugs you are taking are causing side effects.
• Keep exercising regularly to maintain muscle strength and fitness. However, first ask the sports doctor what kind of recommendation for your condition.
• Get enough rest, don't wait until you are tired to death.
• Talk to the people closest to you, a therapist, or a psychologist about your feelings and mental struggles. Having this disease is certainly not easy and you need to manage the emotional turmoil that arises.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.