Juvenile dermatomyositis is an extremely rare condition that mainly affects the muscles and skin. It is believed to be caused by an error in the body's immune system.

Children with juvenile dermatomyositis may have symptoms that include:

  • stomach pain 
  • a reddening of the cheeks, eyelids, upper chest, knuckles, elbows and knees
  • a slight 'violet' discolouration over the eyelids 
  • being uncharacteristically miserable

The symptoms can develop over days, weeks or even months.

Often the initial symptoms are attributed to a minor viral infection, or if the child is grumpy, to them just being 'difficult'. Although these factors may lead to a delay in diagnosis, this shouldn't prejudice the child's chance of responding successfully to treatment.

For most children, treatment results in rapid improvements although they must be monitored carefully. Juvenile dermatomyositis is not contagious and does not affect other family members.

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