Gottron's papules
| Dermatomyositis | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Gottron's papules. Discrete erythematous papules overlying the metacarpal and interphalangeal joints in a person with juvenile dermatomyositis. | |
| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | Rheumatology |
| ICD-10 | M33.0-M33.1 (ILDS M33.910) |
| ICD-9-CM | 710.3 |
| DiseasesDB | 10343 |
| MedlinePlus | 000839 |
| eMedicine | med/2608 derm/98 |
| MeSH | D003882 |
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare connective-tissue disease related to polymyositis (PM) that is characterized by inflammation of the muscles and the skin. While DM most frequently affects the skin and muscles, it is a systemic disorder that may also affect the joints, the esophagus, the lungs, and the heart.
The main symptoms include several kinds of skin rash along with muscle weakness in both upper arms or thighs.
One form the rashes take is called "heliotrope" (a purplish color) or lilac, but may also be red. It can occur around the eyes along with swelling, but also occurs on the upper chest or back what is called the "shawl" (around the neck) or "V-sign" above the breasts and may also occur on the face, upper arms, thighs, or hands. Another form the rash takes is called Gottron's sign which are red, sometimes scaly, papules that erupt on any of the finger joints (the metacarpophalangeal joints or the interphalangeal joints). All these rashes are made worse by exposure to sunlight, and are often very itchy, painful, and may bleed.
If a person exhibits only skin findings characteristic of DM, without weakness or abnormal muscle enzymes, then he or she may be experiencing amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM, formerly known as "dermatomyositis sine myositis".
People with DM experience progressively worsening muscle weakness in the proximal muscles (for example, the shoulders and thighs). Tasks that use these muscles: standing from sitting, lifting, and climbing stairs, can prove challenging for people with DM.
Around 30% of people have swollen, painful joints, but this is generally mild.
In some people the condition affects the lungs, and they may have a cough or difficulty breathing. If the condition affects the heart, there may be arrhythmias. If it affects the blood vessels in the stomach or intestines, which is more common in juvenile DM, the person might vomit blood, have black, tarry bowel movements, or may develop a hole somewhere in their GI tract.
Gottron's papules on finger joints.
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Wikipedia