Skin Articles

What is dermatomyositis? 

Dermatomyositis is a type of myositis, which the NHS defines as: ‘A group of rare conditions that cause weak muscles. It slowly gets worse over time, but treatment with medicines and exercise can help.’  

The condition mainly affects muscles and connective tissues, however in some cases it causes issues with joints too.  

What causes the condition?  

As with many chronic conditions with such low incidence, defining what causes them can be tricky. Although many believe that it can be passed down in your genes, it is also thought that a mixture of environmental factors can cause it too.  

Myositis UK, a charity  funding research to improve diagnosis and treatment, says that it’s likely the condition is an autoimmune disease. ‘This means that the disease is a result of a defect in the immune system, which is the body’s natural defence against disease,’ it explains.  

How do you know you have the condition?  

If you break down the name of the condition, it’s easier to understand the symptoms - ‘derma’ means skin, ‘myo’ means muscle, and ‘itis’ means inflammation.  

So, people with dermatomyositis experience symptoms including: 

• painful or aching muscles 
• feeling very tired 
• weight loss 
• night sweats
• a patchy, red rash, usually on the eyelids, face, neck and the backs of the hands – this can look different on brown or black skin
• problems with swallowing (dysphagia) or breathing 

 Like many chronic conditions, these symptoms can fluctuate and may show up differently depending on the person.  

How do I know if I have dermatomyositis?  

If you think you might have the condition, it’s important that you speak to a healthcare professional who will be able to offer diagnostic testing.  

However, the NHS does state that due to the slow development of muscle weakness, you might be able to spot the condition if you find it hard to do every day activities. If you are starting to trip and fall more, find it more difficult to brush your hair, or climb stairs, you may be experiencing the early signs of dermatomyositis. 

Can dermatomyositis be cured?  

We all know that cures for chronic conditions can be hard to come by - and it is not possible to cure dermatomyositis. That said, there are lots of ways to manage the condition through medication, exercise, and a tailored health plan.  

If you are interested in learning more about your skin, check out the talkhealth conditions hub where you'll find resourse about acne, eczema, psoriasis and more!