Common Questions about Dermatomyositis Skin Disease

Authors:

Richard D. Sontheimer, M.D.
Professor
Department of Dermatology

The University of Iowa

Dianna L. Geers, B.S., M.A.

Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
First Published: January 2003

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The following are questions that individuals with dermatomyositis skin problems and their family members frequently ask their doctors (dermatologists [skin specialists], rheumatologists [arthritis specialists], neurologists (nervous system specialists), internists, pediatricians, or family medicine physicians). Each of the questions will be answered in two ways - a brief answer followed by a more complete, detailed answer.

Many of the terms that are used to answer these questions may not be familiar to you. However, you can find explanations and definitions of most of the confusing terms in language that that you will be able to understand in the accompanying glossary.

1. What is dermatomyositis?
2. How is the diagnosis of dermatomyositis made?
3. What causes dermatomyositis?
4. What is known about clinically-amyopathic dermatomyositis?
5. What are the risk factors for developing dermatomyositis?
6. How is the skin first affected in dermatomyositis and how does it change over time?
7. Do the skin problems of dermatomyositis ever go away?
8. How is dermatomyositis skin disease treated?
   • Sun avoidance and sun protection
   • Strategies for preventing or minimizing skin dryness
   • Treatment of dry skin
   • Types of moisturizers
   • Topical forms of treatment for dermatomyositis skin disease
   • Internal forms of treatment for dermatomyositis skin disease
9. What can I do for the itching that accompanies my dermatomyositis skin disease?
10. What other diseases or complications can be associated with dermatomyositis?
11. What effect does pregnancy have on dermatomyositis?
12. Is my family at risk for getting dermatomyositis?
13. I have heard that children can also get dermatomyositis. Do children have the same problems with dermatomyositis as adults?
14. Are there any lifestyle changes that I can make to help control the activity of my dermatomyositis? For example, should I change my diet, take any herbals or other health food supplements, avoid stress?
15. Are there differences in how dermatomyositis skin disease affects individuals with ethnic backgrounds?
16. What other resources are available to learn more about dermatomyositis?

Glossary

Disclaimer: It should be noted that virtually no formal scientific studies have been carried out to confirm the value of the various medical approaches that are currently used to treat dermatomyositis skin disease. Dermatomyositis skin disease is a rare, orphan medical condition that attracts little to no research support from the pharmaceutical industry or federal government. The treatment approaches for this type of skin problem have been developed by trial and error over the years (i.e., they are empirically-derived treatments as opposed to evidence-based treatments). The approaches to treating dermatomyositis skin problems presented in the discussion below represent the individual views of Dr. Sontheimer. His views concerning certain issues might be somewhat different from those of other medical practitioners.