Inflamed muscles (dermatomyositis or polymyositis)

Overview

Weakness usually affects muscles closest to the body, making it hard to climb stairs or lift arms.

Dermatomyositis also causes a purple rash on eyelids or knuckles.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Weak hips and shoulders
• Muscle weakness in arms or legs

Less common

• Purple eyelid rash

Look up a symptom: Muscle weakness in arms or legs · Rash

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Women 40 to 60: Most common
• Children 5 to 15: Juvenile dermatomyositis

Possible complications

• Trouble swallowing: From weak throat muscles
• Interstitial lung disease: Lung scarring

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• CK blood test:
• MRI:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Physical therapy
• Use sunscreen

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a rheumatologist (joint and immune system doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Free NIH information on rare diseases, including where to find experts and patient groups.
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Patient groups, help finding care, and aid programs for rare diseases.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults 40 to 60: Most common.
• Women: More common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment improves strength for many.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• Should I be screened for cancer?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Inflamed muscles (dermatomyositis or polymyositis)