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Dermatomyositis Symptoms

Symptoms of Dermatomyositis

Most people with dermatomyositis first notice a characteristic skin rash that affects the eyelids, knuckles, or knees.

Other signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis include:

  • Scaly, dry or rough skin in areas where the joints bend
  • Swollen areas around the fingernail beds
  • Painful, itchy skin rash accompanied by muscle weakness
  • Skin rash that gets worse with sun exposure
  • Weakness in the muscles of the hips, back or neck
  • Hoarseness or other changes in the voice
  • Difficulty swallowing

Our experienced doctors at the Neuromuscular Program have decades of experience diagnosing and treating dermatomyositis. We can evaluate your symptoms to rule out other possible causes, such as lupus.

Learn more about dermatomyositis diagnosis at Stanford.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.

Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.

Open Trials