Juvenile Dermatomyositis | Riley at IU Health

Juvenile dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system causes inflammation of the blood vessels in the body tissue.

Symptoms of this condition include:

Rashes—particularly on the face and hands, around the fingernails and over the elbows and knees
Photosensitivity (the condition worsens when skin is exposed to sunlight)
Muscle pain and weakness—often starting in the shoulders and hips and then spreading to the upper arms and calves

Diagnosis of Juvenile Dermatomyositis

In addition to performing a full physical exam, your child’s rheumatologist will use one or more of the following tests in order to diagnose this condition:

Blood test. Your child’s doctor may check the blood for increased levels of one or more muscle-related enzymes that can point to this condition.
Biopsy.A muscle biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample) may be performed to take a closer look at the affected area.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Your child’s doctor may order an MRI, which can help him or her locate the specific muscles in your child’s body that are inflamed.

If the pediatrician suspects that your child may have juvenile dermatomyositis, it is important that a pediatric rheumatologist see your child as soon as possible to make an assessment. Rheumatologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat such conditions and can help guide you and your child through treatment and management of juvenile dermatomyositis.

Treatments

The course of treatment that your child’s rheumatologist will prescribe for juvenile dermatomyositis depends on the severity of the disease. Often, your child’s doctor will first prescribe steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation. Your child will also likely take immunosuppressant medicines, which reduce the immune system’s overactivity and decrease the symptoms related to this condition. As exposure to direct sunlight often worsens the symptoms of juvenile dermatomyositis, your child should avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible.

Key Points to Remember

Juvenile dermatomyositis often causes skin rashes, which frequently occur on the face and hands, around the fingernails and over the elbows or knees.
Your child’s doctor may use a physical exam, blood test, biopsy or MRI to diagnose this condition.
Exposure to sunlight often worsens the skin problems related to this condition, so children with this condition are advised to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about juvenile dermatomyositis.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

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American College of Rheumatology

The American College of Rheumatology provides education and support for patients and families living with juvenile dermatomyositis.

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 3 facilities offering Juvenile Dermatomyositis care by entering your city or zip below.

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Departments Treating This Condition

Rheumatology