Living with dermatomyositis
How dermatomyositis works
Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease. DM causes your body’s immune system, which normally defends against foreign bacteria and viruses, to start attacking healthy tissue instead.
Toggle the button below to see a healthy immune system versus an immune system with DM
System
with Dermatomyositis
Healthy Immune System
A healthy immune system is like your body’s defense mechanism. It identifies and attacks outside invaders, like bacteria and viruses, to prevent you from getting sick, while leaving healthy cells alone.
Immune System with Dermatomyositis
In DM, certain parts of your body’s immune system get stuck in the “on” position. They become overactive, leading to unwanted inflammation that targets your skin and muscle cells, causing common DM symptoms.
A targeted treatment for dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis affects the body outside and inside
DM can affect multiple parts of the body, including skin and muscles. DM impacts different people in different ways, but some DM symptoms and manifestations are more common than others.
Skin Symptoms
Skin Symptoms
Heliotrope Rash
A violet or reddish-purple rash on the eyelids, sometimes with swelling. This is a classic, telltale sign of DM.
Shawl & V-Sign
A widespread, flat and reddened rash on the upper back, shoulders, and neck (the “shawl” area) and on the front of the chest (in a “V” shape).
Gottron’s Papules/Sign
Red or purplish bumps on the joints, most commonly over the knuckles but also on elbows and knees.
Holster Sign
A reddish-purple rash on the outer hips and thighs that is a specific, common sign of DM.
Persistent Itch (Pruritus)
A constant, severe itch that can disrupt sleep and impair overall quality of life.
Proximal Muscle Weakness
A profound weakness in the muscles closest to the center of the body, including the neck, shoulders, and hips, which can make it difficult to perform even basic activities like climbing stairs or lifting objects overhead.
Fatigue
A deep, persistent feeling of exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest, making everyday movements feel like a major effort.
Muscle Pain
Aching, tenderness, or soreness in the muscles that can cause discomfort during daily physical activities.
Muscle Symptoms
Muscle Symptoms
Real-life insights on dermatomyositis
Everyone experiences DM differently. See real stories of people who are navigating life with this challenging condition.
Individual results may vary
I went from somebody who could barely get off a couch to going back to work and being social, being able to do things again.
I feel like I’m getting back to my normal self.
You don’t realize how important the little things are until you cannot do them. And when you get them back, you appreciate them more.
With LISRAYA, I could get dressed by myself, play with the grandkids, and get in and out of vehicles.
I was able to regain my sense of independence and reintegrate into my typical lifestyle and activities of daily living.
I knew LISRAYA was working when the rash on my face, chest, and hands completely went away.
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