“Dangal” actor Suhani Bhatnagar’s death from dermatomyositis has drawn attention to the little-known risks of the skin disease, which is not usually considered fatal.
Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the skin and muscles and is characterized by inflammation leading to muscle weakness and rash. Experts told News18 it is a very rare disease with “2-3 people in 100,000 people suffering from it” and one of the most visible symptoms is a “unique rash”.
“This rash often appears on the face, eyelids, knuckles, elbows, knees, chest and back. It may be red or purple in color and is often described as a ‘heliotrope’ rash,” says Vasant Kunj, Department of Rheumatology, Fortis Hospital Dr Priyanka Kharbanda told News18.
Gottron papules are raised, scaly patches that appear on finger joints and other bony protrusions, such as elbows and knees, and are accompanied by excessive muscle weakness.
The disease was previously thought to affect people in the 40 to 60 age group, but it is now also being noted in younger people and children.
“The disease is increasingly common in young people and children, but the earliest onset of the disease is in people in their 40s or older age group. Although treating the disease is a bit difficult in children, strict lifestyle habits, Regular blood tests and an anti-inflammatory diet can help people live longer,” Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, dermatologist and allergy specialist at Skin and Hair Centre, told News18.
How does the body develop this disease?
The exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, but it may be due to a viral infection of the muscles, primarily due to a problem with the body’s immune system, when the system mistakenly attacks its own muscle and skin tissue.
Dr Shweta Singhai, a rheumatologist at Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, said other causes could be bacterial infections, environmental factors including ultraviolet radiation, air pollutants and occasionally vaccinations.
“Sometimes, the disease can be caused by drugs used to lower cholesterol, such as statins,” she said. She added that the disease can be malignant in about 30-40 percent of patients, and if people pay attention If you experience a sharp weight loss, you need to be vigilant. “This is a very rare disease, occurring in 2-3 people per 100,000 people.”
Gaurav Jain, senior consultant, Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Dharamshila Narayana Specialty Hospital, lists the cause of the disease as involving a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors and immune system dysfunction.
How to spot symptoms?
Some common symptoms of dermatomyositis include muscle weakness, rash, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, and muscle pain.
Muscle weakness is another key feature of dermatomyositis, Fortis’ Kabanda said. It typically affects “the muscles closest to the trunk of the body, such as those of the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms, and neck.”
“Weakness may make it difficult to perform daily activities, such as climbing stairs, sitting or standing, lifting objects, or reaching above your head,” she says.
Experts say affected people have difficulty raising their arms above their shoulders or standing up from a seated position in a chair or on the floor. Weak neck muscles can cause the head to tilt forward involuntarily, a condition known as “head-head syndrome.”
People with dermatomyositis may have difficulty swallowing, leading to choking or choking. In addition, people experience severe fatigue that is not relieved by rest and that can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life.
Experts also suggest that dermatomyositis attacks or flare-ups may be accompanied by a low-grade fever.
How to treat?
Treatment usually involves drugs that suppress abnormal activity of the immune system, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and sometimes intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. Physical therapy and exercises are often recommended to help maintain muscle strength and function.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to control the condition and prevent complications,” Fortis Hospital’s Habanda said.
Dermatologists, rheumatologists and other experts added that the disease can be fatal when it affects vital organs such as the lungs, heart or respiratory system.
Jain of Dharamshila Narayana Specialty Hospital added that patient survival depends on early diagnosis. “Effective treatment can significantly improve outcomes. However, complications such as respiratory and cardiac involvement can pose serious risks.”
Dermatologist Bhardwaj further explained that death usually does not occur because of dermatomyositis but from complications caused by it, such as pneumomyositis, which occurs when a person cannot breathe. “In addition, the disease increases the risk of cancer.”
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