4 May 2021
It is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the muscles, weakening them, as well as causing the appearance of atypical skin rashes.
Although it can affect people of any age and sex, it is more common in children and middle-aged adults, with a higher incidence in women.
The origin of dermatomyositis remains undiscovered, but it is believed to be autoimmune, although there are also genetic aspects that can contribute to its appearance, in addition to various viruses, drugs, smoking, and excess solar radiation, among others.
There is no specific treatment being an incurable disease, but it seeks to control the symptoms, especially, eliminating the rash and regaining strength and muscle movement.
The symptoms can manifest suddenly or progressively, depending on the case:
If not diagnosed and treated promptly, this condition can lead to complications such as:
Additionally, dermatomyositis can cause other conditions such as lupus, arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, arrhythmia, heart failure, cancer, and lung problems.
Once your doctor analyzes your symptoms and medical history, they will perform a physical examination to look for signs of the condition. If found, you will be required:
Being an incurable disorder, the treatment will focus on the control of symptoms, helping to minimize skin rashes and the recovery, as possible, of muscle tone and strength.
To do this, they will prescribe drugs such as corticosteroids and drugs that mainly suppress the immune system. Likewise, it will recommend that you do not expose yourself to sunlight, and if you do, you should use sunscreen.
In case of severe affectations, you can receive immunoglobulin injections or undergo surgical procedures to remove calcium deposits that are usually very painful.
Finally, if there is significant damage caused by the disease, you should go to physical and language therapy sessions, and receive nutritional advice.
At ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department, we offer health care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and monitoring of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies of both chronic-degenerative diseases and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.
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