Dermatomyositis is a muscle disease that involves inflammation
and a skin rash. It is a type of inflammatory myopathy. Causes,
incidence, and risk factors The cause of dermatomyositis is
unknown. Experts think it may be due to a viral infection of the
muscles or a problem with the body's immune system. It may also
occur in patients who have cancer in the abdomen, lung, or other
parts of the body. Anyone can develop dermatomyositis. It most
commonly occurs in children age 5 - 15 and adults age 40 - 60.
Women develop this condition more often than men. Polymyositis
is a similar condition, but the symptoms do not include a skin
rash. Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic
Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.,
Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Bethanne Black, Stephanie
Slon, and Nissi Wang.