Decoding Health |. Eczema may not be a red rash.

Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the skin and muscles. Not only can patients suffer from chronic inflammation of their skin and muscles, but what’s even more frightening is that it can lead to complications such as lung fibrosis and degenerative cancer. quickly, and which is closely related to two specific antibodies. Rheumatologists pointed out that in order to detect this disease as early as possible, you can pay attention to whether there are ulcers on the fingers without trauma, as well as symptoms such as a systemic rash and persistent cough. If it is diagnosed, high drug treatment is required -dose to avoid the disease significantly.

Ms. Zhang (pseudonym), 56, discovered an ulcer on her finger more than half a year ago. She didn’t pay much attention to it at first, but gradually she found that she was easily breathless and tired, and as so she sought medical advice. The test results showed fibrosis in her lungs, and a blood test confirmed she had dermatomyositis and was positive for MDA5 antibodies. Since the condition of this type of dermatomyositis can worsen in a short period of time, the attending physician prescribed high-dose steroids and biological agents for treatment.

Wang Delong, an expert in rheumatology, pointed out that dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease. thigh muscles.

Specific antibodies and clinical features predict complications of dermatomyositis

Dr. Wang said that there is about one new case of dermatomyositis in every 10,000 people in Hong Kong every year, compared to other rheumatology diseases, it is very rare, but we must not take it lightly because two antibodies particularly common including MDA5 and TIF1-gamma, which puts patients at a higher risk of death.

“MDA5 antibodies can cause lung fibrosis in a short period of time, causing the condition to deteriorate rapidly. Taking Hong Kong and Asia as an example, when patients are diagnosed, the six-month survival rate is only 50%; as for TIF1- gamma antibodies, they are closely related to cancer. .

Since dermatomyositis patients with MDA5 and TIF1-gamma antibodies can develop severe complications, rheumatologists are aware when they note certain features during diagnosis. Dr. Wang gave an example to detect these symptoms early and with treatment, the chance of successful treatment is relatively high.

Pay attention to signs and detect symptoms early

However, a rash can be a sign of eczema or other skin problems, so how do you distinguish it so that it does not delay the condition of dermatomyositis? He pointed out that eczema is more common in the joints of the head and neck, the hands and feet, and is red in color, makes people feel itchy, and is associated with dry skin, the normal condition of dermatomyositis is different, and the color is sometimes purplish and less common or even a computer scan of their lungs to diagnose dermatomyositis and its complications.

When it comes to treatment, Dr. Wang said that dermatomyositis patients with MDA5 and TIF1-gamma antibodies need to use stronger doses of steroids and biologics as early as possible: “The timing of starting treatment can have a significant impact on prognosis the illness. If you can intervene before the situation worsens it greatly increases the chance of recovery.”

Dr. Wang Delong reminded that there are different treatment options for dermatomyositis, each with its own effectiveness and side effects Patients should consult their doctor to choose the most appropriate treatment option.

The above information is provided by Dr. Wang Delong

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