Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare disease of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels.
The exact cause 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.
This problem is more common in girls. Other things that may raise the risk are:
The first JDM symptoms are:
As JDM gets worse, symptoms may be:
You will be asked 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.
Images may be taken. This can be done with an MRI scan.
Your child's muscles may be tested. This can be done with:
There is no cure. Some children may have times when symptoms lessen or go away. Symptoms will need to be managed. Choices are:
Medicine may be given to:
Regular exercise and physical therapy can help maintain and improve strength and flexibility. It can also prevent muscle wasting and stiffness.
Skin protection is needed to control the rash and skin sores. This can be done by:
There are no known methods to prevent this health problem.
American College of Rheumatology
http://www.rheumatology.org
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org
Canadian Rheumatology Association
https://rheum.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Dermatomyositis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/dermatomyositis. Accessed August 30, 2021.
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. Accessed August 30, 2021.
Juvenile dermatomyositis. Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/juvenile-dermatomyositis. Accessed August 30, 2021.
Juvenile dermatomyositis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/juvenile-dermatomyositis. Accessed August 30, 2021.
Juvenile dermatomyositis. Stanford Children’s Health website. Available at: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=juvenile-dermatomyositis-90-P01714. Accessed August 30, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kuenn, MD