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Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis
Background
These conditions are manifestations of a very rare auto-immune inflammatory disease of the muscles and skin. Dermatomyositis (DM) usually affects the skin with a rash, and the muscles, which become weak; while Polymyositis (PM) generally affects the muscles but not the skin. The rash of DM is typically on the face and knuckles but can be on other parts of the body. The weakness of DM and PM typically starts in the large muscles of the arms and legs. In adults, both DM and PM may be associated with cancer, which can become apparent after the onset of the muscle problem.
Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) can develop in children at any age but typically children with JDM get their illness between the ages of four and ten. JDM is rare, affecting about 3 or 4 in 1,000,000 each year. JDM is more common than Juvenile Polymyositis (JPM).
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