Per Medscape, dermatomyositis frequently affects the muscles and the skin, but may also affect the joints; the lungs; and less commonly the heart. The first symptom of dermatomyositis is s skin rash either on the face, chest, nails, or elbows. The rash is usually bluish and/or purplish color and patchy. Throughout the development of dermatomyositis, muscles weaken over weeks or months. Other symptoms of dermatomyositis may include: muscle tenderness, problem swallowing, lung problems, fatigue, fever, unintentional weight loss, and hard calcium deposit underneath the skin (that usually is seen in children). When diagnose with dermatomyositis doctors will usually go through a patient’s health history, clinical examination, and any specialized
