Learn from Medical Experts
World-leading dermatomyositis physicians share their expertise and answer key questions about the disease.
What is dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and skin rashes. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation and damage. In this video series, leading physician experts provide an overview of the basics of the condition.
Why Dermatomyositis Is an Autoimmune Disease
A dermatologist walks through how dermatomyositis occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissue.
What Does “Dermatomyositis” Mean?
A dermatologist breaks down the word “dermatomyositis” to reveal how it reflects the disease’s impact on skin, muscle, and the immune system.
Understanding the Hidden Triggers of Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis may be triggered by hidden factors like cancer or changes in the immune system. Hear a dermatologist explain which underlying malignancies  are important to watch for and how they may be driving the disease.
The Chronic Nature of Dermatomyositis
Living with dermatomyositis means managing a long-term condition. You’ll hear from a dermatologist about what chronic illness looks like and how patients can navigate ongoing care.
Identifying the Signs & Symptoms of Dermatomyositis
Learn to recognize the early signs of dermatomyositis. A rheumatologist shares key symptoms to watch for and how timely diagnosis can make a difference.
Multi-Organ Inflammation in Dermatomyositis
Beyond skin and muscle, dermatomyositis can affect internal organs. Learn how systemic inflammation can impact overall health from a rheumatologist.
Variation in Dermatomyositis Cases
No two cases of dermatomyositis are exactly alike. A rheumatologist explains the wide range of symptoms and why individualized treatment is essential.
What causes dermatomyositis?
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of dermatomyositis, but it’s believed to be an autoimmune condition—where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. This may be triggered by a mix of genetic factors, infections, medications, or environmental exposures. In this section, physician experts will provide further detail on the current understanding of the causes.
Environmental, Immune and Lifestyle Triggers for Dermatomyositis
Learn how sunlight, immune system changes, and even certain stimulants may play a role in triggering dermatomyositis.
Genetic Predisposition for Dermatomyositis
Hear from a rheumatologist how genetics may influence your risk of developing dermatomyositis.
Potential Role of Environmental Factors in Dermatomyositis
Learn about the environmental factors that may trigger or contribute to the onset of dermatomyositis.
The Immune System’s Role in Dermatomyositis
Your immune system usually protects you—but in dermatomyositis, it can mistakenly attack your own tissues. Learn how this breakdown happens from a rheumatologist.
Dermatomyositis Triggers: What’s Outside Your Control
It can be tempting to blame yourself for your illness, but with dermatomyositis, many triggers are beyond your control. Learn why from a rheumatologist.
Managing Dermatomyositis When the Cause Isn’t Clear
Because dermatomyositis has no single known cause, it’s important to focus on what comes next—getting the right care and support to manage it effectively.
The Biology Behind Triggers for Dermatomyositis
Environmental and immune-related triggers are known to play a role in dermatomyositis. This dermatologist breaks down the biology behind each one to explain how they may contribute to the disease.
What is the role of autoantibodies in dermatomyositis?
Autoantibodies can help doctors understand your dermatomyositis symptoms and guide treatment. For example, Anti-Mi-2 antibodies are linked to classic skin and muscle symptoms, Anti-MDA5 to lung disease and skin ulcers, and Anti-TIF1Îł to cancer risk. The videos in this section help explain what autoantibodies are and how they can be useful for managing dermatomyositis.
Implications of Antibodies in Clinical Appearance of Dermatomyositis
There are currently five key myositis-specific antibodies, each of which can help predict a DM patient’s symptoms and disease progression—guiding clinicians in early screening and personalized management strategies. Hear from a leading rheumatologist what she looks for depending on the type of myositis-specific antibodies a patient may have.
Positive or Negative? Making Sense of Myositis Antibody Results
In this video, Dr. Edminister explains what myositis-specific antibodies are, how they guide treatment, and why not every dermatomyositis patient has them.
Join the Community
Join thousands of patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals and get unlimited access to our growing library.
