Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes a skin rash and muscle weakness. The skin rash can present reddish to purplish, dusky discoloration and swelling of the eyelids, particularly the upper eyelids (heliotrope rash). A red rash may also appear on the chest, shoulder, neck or back. Affected individuals may develop pinkish purplish papules over the joints of the hands (Gottron papules) and ragged cuticles with associated nailfold redness. The scalp may be involved with inflammation, scaling, itching and thinning of the hair. The muscle weakness typically affects the muscles closest to the trunk, manifesting as difficulty getting up from a seated position, climbing stairs, raising arms above the shoulders (to brush or wash hair), and difficulty swallowing. Dermatomyositis is more common in women and Black Americans. Though it can be seen in children (juvenile dermatomyositis), the peak age group in adults is between the ages of 40 and 60. Adult onset dermatomyositis has a strong association with cancer and affected individuals should be screened for an underlying cancer. Treatment options include topical medications, systemic steroids, and other immune modulating or immune suppressing medications.

Disclaimer:
The information on this website is provided for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with a licensed medical provider and follow their recommendations regardless of what you read on this website. If you think you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Links to other third-party websites are provided for your convenience only. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms of use for those websites. Neither Plymouth Dermatology Associates, PC, nor any contributor to this website, makes any representation, express or implied, regarding the information provided on this website or any information you may access on a third-party website using a link. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you would like to request an appointment with a health care provider, please call our office at (508) 746-5300.

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Testimonials

  • "I just want to take a moment and say thank you to Dr. Yu and his staff. From the first person greeting me with a warm hello, to Dr. Yu with his expertise and light fingers, to the assistant, to the one sending me off with clear instructions on caring for my incision. All professional, caring, knowledgeable and kind. A very warm Thank You To All"
    Annie
  • "It's been a very positive experience working with Dr. Yu. He and his staff have been very supportive in navigating me through my treatments. I feel like he and his team are fully vested in my recovery and that I am not just a number. It is a blessing to not have to go to a big city hospital. Not having that added stress really makes the whole experience so much more tolerable. I would surely recommend Plymouth Dermatology Associates to family and friends."
    Kathleen W.
  • "I am very pleased with the service I received from Dr. Gadenne, a dermatologist who performed a thorough and comprehensive Total Body Skin Examination (TBSE) on me. She was very professional, courteous, and attentive to my concerns and questions. She explained the procedure clearly and made me feel comfortable throughout the process. She also gave me helpful advice on how to protect my skin from sun damage and other potential risks. I highly recommend Dr. Gadenne to anyone who needs a TBSE or Pl"
    Leroy K.