Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is a disease systemic lupus erythematosus is similar. However, it is here mainly to an infestation of the skin and muscles.
There are two forms of the disease:
- Juvenile (young) form: The average age of onset is about ten years.
- Dermatomyositis in adults: This is the beginning of the period 30 and 50 Year of life. In 50% of cases the disease occurs in combination with a cancer!
Frequency
The disease is very rare and meet more women.
Symptoms
- Lilac-colored skin rash (erythema) around the eyes ("tearful face")
- Ill-defined redness on the hands
- Symmetrically occurring weakness in the shoulder and pelvic muscles
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be made from the above mentioned symptoms. Also, you can take a sample from an affected muscle outcrops, in addition there is a typical increase of specific blood tests (CPK, LDH, ALD).
Complications
- Severe pain
- Social isolation caused by ignorance of the environment
- Possible involvement of other organs (lungs, heart, intestines)
- Lethal course possible