Difficulty swallowing -
Muscle weakness , stiffness, or soreness - Purple or violet colored upper eyelids
- Purple-red skin rash
Shortness of breath
The muscle weakness may appear suddenly or develop slowly over weeks or months. You may have difficulty raising your arms over your head, rising from a sitting position, and climbing stairs.
The rash may appear over the face, knuckles, neck, shoulders, upper chest, and back.
Signs and tests
The doctor will perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
- Bloods test to check levels of creatine phosphokinase and
aldolase ECG Electromyography - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Muscle biopsy
Images
Dermatomyositis, Gottron's papule
Dermatomyositis on the legs
Paronychia, candidial
Dermatomyositis, heliotrope eyelids
Dermatomyositis, heliotrope rash on the face
Dermatomyositis, Gottron's papules on the hand
Dermatomyositis, Gottron's papule
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Dermatomyositis Treatment
Review Date: 02/08/2011
Reviewed By: Richard J. Moskowitz, MD, Dermatologist in Private Practice,
Mineola, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
