What is juvenile dermatomyositis?
Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare, chronic disease that can have serious health consequences for the person who suffers from it.
It is an autoimmune disease affecting children and adolescents, which manifests itself as an inflammatory disorder producing an alteration in the musculature.
Prognosis of the disease
Generally, patients suffering from juvenile dermatomyositis have a good prognosis. However, as it is a chronic disease, in many cases, it can degenerate into outbreaks that cause sufferers to experience pain or fatigue, so that they may be unable to move or perform daily tasks.
Symptoms of juvenile dermatomyositis
The most prominent symptoms of this disease are as follows:
- Muscle weakness
- Skin lesions: ulcers, scaling, and rashes
- Breathing difficulties
- Swallowing difficulties
- Arthritis
- Pneumonia
- Heart disorders
- Vocal cord disorders
Medical tests for juvenile dermatomyositis
To make the diagnosis of this disease, a series of tests must be done. First, a physical examination is performed, but additional tests such as an MRI, biopsy or electromyography may be ordered.
What are the causes of juvenile dermatomyositis?
Although the exact cause of this disease is not yet known, it has been observed that it is related to changes in the muscular tissues that affect cardiovascular circulation. According to some research, juvenile dermatomyositis may also be caused by certain viruses.
But in general, it is a multifactorial disease that is due to combined factors, but it is not a hereditary or contagious pathology.
Can it be prevented?
It is difficult to establish guidelines for the prevention of juvenile dermatomyositis, due to the uncertainty that exists in determining the specific causes of the disease. In any case, it is important to see a specialist if the patient suffers any of the symptoms of the pathology.
Treatments for juvenile dermatomyositis
The most appropriate treatment to control juvenile dermatomyositis is physiotherapy, because it improves activity and muscle response. In addition, specialists state that it is also important to care for and protect the skin from the sun’s rays, avoiding exposure to ultraviolet light and using high sunscreens.
Which specialist treats it?
The expert in charge of the treatment of juvenile dermatomyositis is the specialist in Rheumatology.
Even so, as it is an autoimmune disease, which has effects on the skin and musculature, the intervention of other specialists such as experts in Physiotherapy and Dermatology may be necessary.