10 Dermatomyositis Symptoms
Dermatomyositis is a chronic condition that leads to the inflammation and weakness of the muscles. While the cause of dermatomyositis is still unknown, it may be the result of an autoimmune disease or viral infection. The condition mostly occurs among women in their forties or fifties. However, it can occur in individuals of any age. It is estimated that there are approximately 1 in 100,000 newly affected patients annually.
Dermatomyositis can be diagnosed based on its symptoms and via a combination of blood tests, muscle biopsies, and electromyography. Although there is no cure for dermatomyositis, treatment and management of the disease help improve the symptoms. Treatment for dermatomyositis can include medications (such as a combination of corticosteroids with methotrexate or azathioprine), exercise, physical therapy, orthotics, heat therapy, assistive devices, and rest. Intravenous immunoglobulin may also improve the outcome of the disease. Most patients will improve with treatment, and in some cases, the condition may resolve completely.
