autoimmune

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a long-term disorder which affects the skin and the muscles. Its symptoms are generally a skin rash and worsening muscle weakness over time. These may occur suddenly or develop over months. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fever, lung , or light sensitivity. may include calcium deposits in muscles or skin.

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Symptoms — what it feels like

·Rash, muscle weakness, weight loss, fever

Causes — why it happens

· (Type III hypersensitivity)

How it's found

·Based on symptoms, blood tests, electromyography, muscle biopsies

Treatment

·Medication, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, orthotics, assistive devices, rest

Complications

·Calcinosis, dysphagia, interstitial lung disease, heart disease (rarely), joint pain, other conditions

More in Muscles

Muscular dystrophy Fibromyalgia Myasthenia gravis Tetanus Sarcopenia Polymyositis Muscle cramp Rhabdomyolysis Compartment syndrome Inguinal hernia Tendon rupture Duchenne muscular dystrophy

See all of Muscles →

Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.