Publication:

Dermatomyositis: a narrative review

Dermatomyositis is a rare, idiopathic, immune-mediated inflammatory muscle disorder characterized by chronic muscle inflammation, muscle weakness, and pain. It is often accompanied by skin rashes, which appear patchily with red discoloration and are commonly found on the knuckles, cuticles, nail beds, palms, fingers, elbows, knees, upper eyelids, edematous areas, upper chest in a V shape, neck, and back of shoulders. Muscle weakness significantly impairs daily activities such as sitting upright, climbing stairs, washing hair, combing, and others. As an autoimmune disorder, dermatomyositis lacks a cure, but its progression can be mitigated by enhancing daily activity functioning and reducing extra-muscular symptoms like rashes, dysphagia, dyspnea, and fever. Immune suppressant medications can prove beneficial in managing the condition.