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Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Juvenile Dermatomyositis

(JDM)

Definition

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare disease of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels.

Causes

The exact cause of JDM is not known. It is thought to be a problem with the immune system. These problems may cause swelling of muscle cells and blood vessels that can lead to harm.

Risk Factors

JDM is more common in girls. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Having certain gene mutations
  • Connective tissue disorders
  • Infections, such as coxsackie B virus
  • Certain drugs and procedures

Symptoms

The first JDM symptoms are:

  • Fever
  • Tiredness
  • Lack of hunger
  • Weight loss

As JDM gets worse, symptoms may be:

  • Skin changes, such as:
    • A purple, bumpy, or scaly skin rash on the face, eyelids, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest, and back
    • Skin sores
  • Muscle problems, such as:
    • Weakness, especially in the muscles closest to the trunk
    • Pain
    • Problems swallowing and speaking
    • Problems moving from sitting or standing
    • Falls
  • Sore throat
  • Belly pain
  • Shortness of breath
Skin Ulcer.

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Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your child's skin and muscles.

Your child’s blood and urine will be tested. This will look for high levels of muscle enzymes.

Pictures of the body may be taken. This can be done with an MRI scan.

Your child's muscles may be tested. This can be done with:

Treatment

There is no cure for JDM. Some children may have times when symptoms lessen or go away. Symptoms will need to be managed. Choices are:

Prevention

There are no current methods to prevent JDM.

Medications

Medicine may be given to:

  • Ease a rash
  • Ease inflammation
  • Suppress the immune system
  • Slow down the inflammatory process

Therapy

Regular exercise and physical therapy can help maintain and improve strength and flexibility. It can also prevent muscle wasting and stiffness.

Skin Protection

Skin protection is needed to control the rash and skin sores. This can be done by:

  • Limiting time spent in the sun
  • Wearing protective clothing when in the sun
  • Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or greater
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Dermatomyositis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/dermatomyositis.
  • Enders FB, Bader-Meunier B, et al. Consensus-based recommendations for the management of juvenile dermatomyositis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Feb;76(2):329-340.
  • Juvenile dermatomyositis. American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Juvenile-Dermatomyositis.
  • Juvenile dermatomyositis. Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/juvenile-dermatomyositis.
  • Juvenile dermatomyositis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/juvenile-dermatomyositis.
  • Juvenile dermatomyositis. Stanford Children’s Health website. Available at: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=juvenile-dermatomyositis-90-P01714.

Contributors

  • Kari Kuenn, MD
Last Updated:
2022-12-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.