Dermatomyositis in children

What is dermatomyositis in children?

Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and a skin rash. A healthy immune system protects your child from infection by attacking invaders such as viruses or other pathogens.

In children with dermatomyositis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own muscles and skin, causing inflammation. Dermatomyositis is part of a larger group of muscle disorders known as inflammatory myopathies.

What are the signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis in children?

• Muscle weakness

• Muscle pain or tenderness

• Difficulty climbing stairs, getting into a car, or getting up out of a chair

• A reddish-purple skin rash on the face, knuckles, neck, shoulders, upper chest or back

• Difficulty swallowing

How is dermatomyositis in children diagnosed?

There are several tests used to diagnose dermatomyositis in children. A doctor will go over your child's medical history and perform a physical exam.

Your healthcare provider may also perform one or more of the following tests:

• Blood work

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a noninvasive test that uses magnetic fields to produce images of the body

• Muscle biopsy, which involves the removal of a small amount of tissue from the muscle using a needle. The tissue is later examined under a microscope

Not every child needs all these tests. Your physician will tell you exactly what the next steps are.

Each year, the specialists at Children’s Health see more than 1,000 pediatric patients for dermatomyositis and other rheumatic disorders. We have the skills and resources necessary to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for your child too.

What are the causes of dermatomyositis in children?

The exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown. It is believed that it may be caused by a virus or by problems with the immune system.

How is dermatomyositis in children treated?

The severity of your child’s dermatomyositis will determine the treatment.

Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Medications - To suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation

• Physical therapy (PT) - To improve muscle strength and flexibility

• Speech therapy - To improve swallowing

• Skin protection (sunscreen, protective clothing) - To help control skin rash

• Dietary changes - To compensate for chewing or swallowing difficulties

Children’s Health uses a multidisciplinary approach to caring for your child. This allows us to offer our patients care from multiple specialists and experts, in a single appointment, at one location. If your child has symptoms of a rheumatic disorder such as dermatomyositis, contact us.

We provide the comprehensive and individualized care necessary to put your child back on the path to a healthy life.