10 Myositis Symptoms

By nigel

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

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Myositis is something of a blanket term that’s used to describe a number of conditions that are marked by the progressive inflammation of the muscles. Because there are so many different forms of myositis, the symptoms can be broad and vary quite a lot between different types of people. However, just because there are different types of myositis, it doesn’t mean that the condition is common. The disease is quite rare, and it can be difficult to diagnose. On top of this, the cause of myositis isn’t always easy to identify and a lot of people never understand why they have developed the condition at all.

The symptoms of myositis can emerge slowly over a long period of time or they can emerge quite rapidly. Common symptoms include pain and discomfort in the muscles, fatigue, and difficulty eating or swallowing. There are many more symptoms that can appear depending on the severity of the condition and how long the patient has suffered from it. In the United States, there are between 1,600 and 3,200 new cases of myositis diagnosed on a yearly basis. Nearly 75,000 people currently live with the condition, and of these, there is no age discrimination: that is, both adults, children, and the elderly are all able to develop the problem. In general, women are more likely to develop myositis than men are.

There are five main different types of myositis, which are known as dermatomyositis, inclusion-body myositis, juvenile myositis, polymyositis, and toxic myositis. Each condition is different, but many share similar symptoms. If you think that you’re developing myositis, then it could help to read the following list of symptoms. This can help you determine whether or not you need to seek medical help. If you decide to do this, the doctor can help you further identify what type of myositis you’re struggling with.

Symptom #1: Scaly or Dry Skin

Scaly, dry, and rough skin is one of the most common symptoms of dermatomyositis, also known as DM. This particular form of the illness is the easiest to diagnose because the symptoms are often unique.

The scaly or dry skin is not entirely unique to the condition but is certainly enough for someone to decide that they need to seek medical treatment. There is no limit to the areas that can develop scaly or dry skin.