Juvenile Dermatomyositis
WHAT DOES JUVENILE DERMATOMYOSITIS (JDM) MEAN ?
Juvenile Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune skin disease, harms the skin and weakens the muscles. As the name itself says JDM is linked with children and affects the health of children by making the immune system weak and inflammation, damages blood vessels. Mostly children with the age of 18 and below are the real targets of JDM, especially girls. Some doctors might get confused, because first of all JDM is rare and secondly, in some, symptoms gradually appear. But early medication can solve the problem rapidly.
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Juvenile Dermatomyositis
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR JUVENILE DERMATOMYOSITIS ?
Unfortunately, no special treatments are available for Juvenile Dermatomyositis but certain medications are spot on and are undeniable for this disease. Doctors often prescribe oral medicines and infusions for this. Some are listed below .
Corticosteroids – Most preferred series of drugs during JDM are simple corticosteroids and glucocorticosteroids. The best subtype is Prednisone also known as Rayos. This reduces the disease severity by making inflammation mild and gives relief from muscle and joint pain.
Immunosuppressants – Very effective ones are Methotrexate, Cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine. It strengthens the immune system, and the effect can last for 15-30 hours. For long term effects have it with corticosteroids.
Intravenous immunoglobulin – It slows down chronic inflammation, infection, should be taken in moderation otherwise side effects like headache, fever, nausea and vomiting can occur.
Physiotherapy – Doctors also suggest some light exercises to maintain the flow of blood acupressure is very beneficial and fights against muscle atrophy.
HOW JUVENILE DERMATOMYOSITIS IS DIAGNOSED ?
Juvenile Dermatomyositis’s rareness makes the diagnosis more tedious, complex and time-consuming also sometimes gives wrong or unexpected results. But there are few proven ways which one should try.
Doctors rely on following tests:
Skin and Muscle Biopsy – To check the level of JDM this is often used.
Blood tests – This forms the base of any diagnosis, and in JDM it analyzes all the major symptoms such as muscle weakness, rash formation, etc and observes the real issue lying behind the signs. Also helps to check CPK levels.
Electromyography
Magnetic Resonance imaging
X-ray tests
Antibody tests
Symptoms
Even acuteness of JDM, sometimes doesn’t show the symptoms while in some children, symptoms start appearing quickly in initial days. Primary symptoms of JDM are :
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Rash in elbow and knees
- Muscle weakness
- Skin rash
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Rash in knuckles
- Calcium deposition on face and skin
- Trouble in climbing stairs
- Sudden change in the voice ( becomes husky and harsh)
Causes
To find an actual cause is a bit tricky and challenging for the doctors so it is still unknown.
As per the doctor's opinion, multiple factors can cause JDM for example,
- infection (flu and common cold),
- injury,
- genetic predisposition,
- inappropriate drugs/medicines and sunlight exposure.
On the other side, researchers and doctors also confirm that heredity has nothing to do with JDM, also it doesn’t spread from person to person.
FAQ
1. HOW TO GET RID OF CALCIUM DEPOSITS ON THE FACE?
Laser therapy is the most preferred. Also Radial shock wave therapy, Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, percutaneous needling are some of the best non-surgical procedures. Surgical procedures are open and arthroscopic surgery.
2. HOW TO TAKE CARE OF CHILD WITH JUVENILE DERMATOMYOSITIS ?
- Don’t overdose a child with medicines as it has some serious side effects.
- Don’t send the child out in the afternoon as sunlight is harmful.
- Before giving medicines don’t give your child meat, raw eggs, raw milk in meals.
3. HOW MANY CHILDREN HAVE JUVENILE DERMATOMYOSITIS ?
According to the reports, 3-5 children in 10-12 lakhs are suffering from Juvenile Dermatomyositis. 85% girls get affected and only 15% boys are living with JDM.
4. WHAT’S THE OUTLOOK OF THE JUVENILE DERMATOMYOSITIS ?
With medicines, adiviced exercises and change in lifestyle, children with JDM don't have life threatening consequences. Children with extremely weak immune systems may have to deal with some support such as crunches or wheelchairs. Constantly staying in touch with a doctor and physiotherapist and sending regular updates of health can minimize the complications and risks.