Dermatomyositis – Dermatomyositis is a mulit-system autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the muscles. Howerver, Dermatomyositis is also known to cause skin rashes, lung inflamation and arthritis-like pain.
Dermatomyositis Rash
This disease is also called idiopathic inflammatory myopathies or Myositis. Inflammation occurs in muscles, organs, and tissues. “Myositis” means muscle inflammation. Dermatomyositis is distinguished from other myositis by the presence of an itchy rash on the face, chest, neck, and/or thighs.
Dermatomyositis Symptoms
+ symmetric muscle weakness – typically of the proximal muscles
+ Antisynthetase syndrome – Anti-Jo-1 antibody (20% of dermatomyositis patients)
+ skin changes – Gottron’s papules, shawl sign, V sign, Heliotrope rash, nail abnormalities, mechanic’s hands, scalp
+ elevation of creatine kinase (CK) levels
+ lung disease – most commonly in patients with antisynthetase antibodies
+ muscle inflammation
Dermatomyositis Diagnosis
SPECIALISTS
+ Rheumatologist
+ Dermatologist
+ Physical Therapist
BLOOD TESTS
+ Creatine kinase (CK) – 1x/month
+ C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – 1x/month
+ Sedimentation Rate (ESR) – 1x/month
+ Aldolase – 1x/month
+ Myosotis Assessor + Jo 1 antibody – initial
MEDICATIONS
+
Dermatomyositis
Exercise 2-3 times per week to encourage muscle strength and flexibility. This may only be possible with the support of a physical therapist at first. Once enough strength has been gained to move more independently, find an activity that allows you accommodate. For example, a yoga class with an instructor who can suggest accommodations, or a cycling class that allows you to adjust resistance.
Include nutritionally dense foods and/or bio-available supplements to ensure your body is getting vitamins and minerals. Some of the things I include in my diet are;
Dandelion Root (ie. Dandy Blend)
Chaga mushroom
Lions Mane mushroom
Cordyceps mushroom
fermented Turmeric
Vitamin C
Ashwagandha
Rhodiola
- Prednisone
- Methotrexate
- Azathioprine
