What is Dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is a rare condition that causes muscle inflammation. It presents with symmetric proximal muscle weakness, skin rash, and extramacular manifestations, such as esophageal dysfunction and interstitial lung disease. Dermatomyositis is strongly associated with malignancy, especially in adults. This activity outlines the evaluation and management of dermatomyositis and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in improving care for patients with this condition.
Dermatomyositis presents with characteristic skin findings and symmetric proximal skeletal muscle weakness. Also, it can affect other organ systems such as the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. A significant proportion of patients with dermatomyositis have an underlying malignancy, which can alter the prognosis of the condition. Although a majority of cases have muscular and cutaneous manifestations, other variants of the condition exist.
Dermatomyositis Symptoms:
Symptoms of dermatomyositis often include a distinctive skin rash, typically appearing as a reddish or purplish discolouration, especially on the face, neck, shoulders, and chest. The rash can also affect other areas of the body, including the elbows, knees, and knuckles. Additionally, patients may experience muscle weakness and fatigue, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as climbing stairs or lifting objects.
- Skin changes: A violet-colored or dusky red rash appears on your skin, usually on the back, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and eyelids. The initial indication of dermatomyositis is frequently the rash, which can be unpleasant and itchy.
- Muscle weakness: The muscles closest to the trunk, such as those in your hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms, and neck, are affected by progressive muscular weakness. Your body’s left and right sides are both impacted by the weakness, which tends to get worse over time.
Dermatomyositis Causes:
Dermatomyositis is comparable to autoimmune disorders in which your immune system unintentionally destroys your body, albeit the exact cause of the condition is unknown. There’s also a chance that environmental and genetic variables are involved. Environmental variables may include things like smoking, certain drugs, prolonged sun exposure, and virus infections.
Dermatomyositis Complications:
The following are possible dermatomyositis complications:
- Difficulty Swallowing: Affected esophageal muscles may result in difficulty swallowing, which may lead to malnourishment and weight loss.
- Aspiration Pneumonia: You may also breathe food particles or liquids—including saliva—into your lungs if you have trouble swallowing.
- Breathing Problems: Breathing issues, such as dyspnea, may arise if the ailment impacts your chest muscles.
- Calcium Deposits: Your skin, muscles, and connective tissues may experience these as the illness worsens. These deposits appear earlier in the course of the illness and are more prevalent in youngsters with dermatomyositis.
Other Associative conditions that dermatomyositis may cause or increase your chance of developing include:
- Raynaud’s Phenomenon: When exposed to cold temperatures, this ailment causes your fingers, toes, cheeks, nose, and ears to grow pale.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Heart muscle inflammation can be brought on by dermatomyositis. A tiny percentage of patients with dermatomyositis go on to develop congestive heart failure and irregular heartbeats.
- Lung Disease: When dermatomyositis occurs, interstitial lung disease may develop. A collection of conditions known as interstitial lung disease result in lung tissue scarring, which leaves the lungs rigid and inelastic. Breathlessness and a dry cough are symptoms.
- Cancer: Adult dermatomyositis has been associated with a higher risk of cancer, specifically ovarian cancer in women. After a diagnosis of dermatomyositis, the risk of cancer seems to level out approximately three years later.
Dermatomyositis Treatment:
Dermatomyositis is typically treated with immunosuppressive medications, which also reduce swelling, and physical activity to maintain strong, flexible muscles. Many persons with dermatomyositis can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle with the right care. But in order to prevent issues, they might require routine care and examinations.
Dangal actor Suhani Bhatnagar:
The unexpected passing of Suhani Bhatnagar, who gained national recognition for her performance in “Dangal,” has left many in deep grief. She passed away at the young age of 19 in Delhi’s AIIMS Hospital.
Suhani’s parents disclosed that she was suffering from dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease that ultimately took her life. Her hands started to swell about two months before she passed away. This prompted medical investigations, which led to the diagnosis of dermatomyositis.
Suhani’s disease was incurable despite all medical efforts and treatments. Her tragic death serves as a reminder that major illnesses can strike without warning and that life can be unpredictable. May her soul rest in peace and may her inspirational legacy live on in the hearts of her many fans.
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