Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is a disease that involves muscle inflammation and a skin rash. Polymyositis is a similar inflammatory condition that also involves muscle weakness, swelling, tenderness, and tissue damage but no skin rash. Both are part of a larger group of diseases called myopathies, more specifically inflammatory myopathies.

Dermatomyositis - Gottron papule

Red, thickened, scaly skin over the knuckles (Gottron sign) associated with dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease of the skin and muscles.

Dermatomyositis - Gottron's papules on the hand

This violet-colored inflammation (erythema) over the knuckles is caused by Dermatomyositis. Other skin conditions produce more redness, while the color of this lesion is violet. There may also be inflammation in the muscle tissue.

Dermatomyositis - heliotrope eyelids

This photograph demonstrates the sign heliotrope eyelids in which the eyelids develop a brown (violaceous - rather than red) color. Heliotrope eyelids and Gottron's papules on the knuckles are characteristic findings in dermatomyositis.

Dermatomyositis on the legs

The appearance of purple (violaceous) plaques on the knees may be associated with dermatomyositis. Typically, most lesions associated with other diseases are red (erythematous).

Dermatomyositis - Gottron papule

This is Gottron sign, seen in dermatomyositis (an inflammatory disease of the muscles and skin). Violet-colored inflammation over the knuckles is an important diagnostic finding in dermatomyositis, since other skin conditions produce more redness.

Dermatomyositis - heliotrope rash on the face

Dermatomyositis, a connective tissue disease, typically produces a reddish-purple (violaceous) rash. The rash is named after the tendency of plants to grow toward the sun (heliotropic) and is characteristic of dermatomyositis.

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Outlook (Prognosis)

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional