Dermatomyositis Disease: Causes and Prevention
Dermatomyositis is a rare and serious condition that affects the skin and muscles. It causes inflammation, rash, and weakness in various parts of the body. In this article, we will explore what dermatomyositis is, what causes it, and how to prevent it.
What is dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is a type of inflammatory myopathy, which means a disease that involves muscle inflammation. It is one of the three known inflammatory myopathies, along with polymyositis and inclusion body myositis1.
Dermatomyositis affects both adults and children, but it is more common in women than men, and in people between 40 and 60 years old, or between 5 and 15 years old2. It is very rare, affecting only about 1 in 100,000 people each year3.
The main symptoms of dermatomyositis are:
- A distinctive skin rash that is patchy and bluish-purple in color. The rash usually appears on the face, eyelids, chest, back, elbows, knees, knuckles, and nails4.
- Muscle weakness that is progressive and symmetrical, meaning it affects both sides of the body. The weakness usually starts in the neck, arms, or hips, and can affect the ability to move, swallow, breathe, or speak4.
- Other symptoms may include muscle pain, tenderness, fatigue, fever, weight loss, calcium deposits under the skin, lung problems, and difficulty swallowing4.
Dermatomyositis can also increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, especially in the first year after the onset of symptoms. About 15 to 30 percent of people with dermatomyositis have an associated malignancy, such as breast, ovarian, or lung cancer5.
What causes dermatomyositis?
The exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
Some possible factors that may contribute to dermatomyositis are:
- Autoimmune reaction: This is when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. Dermatomyositis has many features of an autoimmune disease, such as the presence of autoantibodies, which are antibodies that target normal cells.
- Viral infection: Some viruses, such as coxsackievirus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), may trigger or worsen dermatomyositis by infecting or activating the immune system.
- Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun may damage the skin and cause inflammation, which may lead to dermatomyositis or aggravate its symptoms.
- Medications: Some drugs, such as statins, hydroxyurea, penicillamine, and interferon, may induce or exacerbate dermatomyositis by causing muscle toxicity or immune system activation.
- Smoking: Smoking may increase the risk of developing dermatomyositis or its complications, such as cancer or lung problems, by affecting the blood vessels, the immune system, and the DNA.
- Genetic factors: People with certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types, which are molecules that regulate the immune system, may be more prone to developing dermatomyositis or having a more severe course of the disease.
How to prevent dermatomyositis?
There is no known way to prevent dermatomyositis, as the cause of the disease is not fully understood. However, some general measures that may help reduce the risk or severity of the condition are:
- Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays.
- Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke to improve the health of the lungs and the immune system.
- Monitoring the use of medications that may cause muscle damage or immune system activation, and reporting any adverse effects to the doctor.
- Seeking medical attention as soon as possible if any symptoms of dermatomyositis, such as rash or muscle weakness, appear4.
- Getting regular check-ups and screenings for cancer, especially if there is a history of dermatomyositis or a family history of malignancy5.
Conclusion
Dermatomyositis is a rare and serious disease that affects the skin and muscles. It causes inflammation, rash, and weakness in various parts of the body. The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, but it may involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. There is no cure for dermatomyositis, but symptoms can be managed with medications and therapies. Prevention of dermatomyositis is not possible, but some measures may help reduce the risk or severity of the condition, such as avoiding sun exposure, smoking, and certain medications, and seeking medical attention early. Dermatomyositis can also increase the risk of cancer, so regular check-ups and screenings are recommended.
