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Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory disease that affects the muscles and skin, often causing muscle weakness and a characteristic skin rash. This condition can occur at any age but it most commonly develops in adults aged 40 to 60 years and children aged 5 to 15 years.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Himanshi Chaudhary, Consultant Clinical Immunology and Pediatric Rheumatology at Alpha Superspeciality Clinic, shared, “When it occurs in children, it is called juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Despite its seriousness, JDM often goes undiagnosed due to lack of awareness. Many parents and even health care professionals mistake its symptoms for common childhood illnesses. Delay in diagnosis can cause irreparable harm.”
According to him, the major symptom of dermatomyositis is skin rashes, which generally appear on the face, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest and back. “The rash can vary in appearance, from a purple or red discoloration to a blotchy, scaly rash,” reveals Dr. Himanshi Chaudhary. In addition to a skin rash, individuals suffering from dermatomyositis often experience muscle weakness, especially in the muscles closest to the body’s torso, such as the hips, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms. This can cause difficulty in activities such as standing from a sitting position, climbing stairs or lifting objects.
While the exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own muscles and skin. Therefore, Dr. Himanshi Chaudhary emphasizes that early diagnosis and treatment are important to manage JDM and prevent complications such as calcinosis (calcium deposits under the skin) and lung disease.
He highlighted that treatment usually involves –
• Medicine: Corticosteroids are often the first line of treatment, followed by other immunosuppressive drugs if necessary.
• physical therapy: To improve muscle strength and function.
• Regular checkups: Monitoring the child’s condition and adjusting treatment as necessary.
Raising public awareness about JDM is a collective responsibility. Together, we can ensure early diagnosis and treatment of JDM, improving the quality of life for affected children.
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