JDM is an autoimmune disease that affects children. The immune system attacks the skin, muscles, and blood vessels.

JDM is a lifelong condition that requires a diagnosis and treatment from a doctor. A management plan that includes drugs, therapies, and lifestyle habits may relieve symptoms and even lead to remission.

JDM is a chronic condition in children. It occurs when the immune system doesn’t work as it should. This is also known as an autoimmune disease.

The immune system attacks muscle and skin cells. This causes inflammation that causes a child to have symptoms.

JDM is a very rare condition. It affects just 3,000 to 5,000 children in the United States, or 3 in 1 million children. Doctors generally diagnose the condition in children who are elementary school aged or young teenagers.

Similar conditions, like juvenile myositis and juvenile polymyositis, do not affect the skin.

JDM can progress over time. Mild signs and symptoms may start out with a child. JDM that does not respond to treatment may become life threatening.

JDM can be seen in many ways. You may notice a rash. The condition can affect the muscles. JDM can occur quickly. Symptoms can come and go.

Skin rash

This will be either red or purple. It could be very faint. You may notice it on your child.

  • The eyes.
  • cheeks look like they have been sunburned
  • fingernails may look pink.
  • The knuckles may look scurvy.
  • The elbows may look like they are made of wood.
  • The knees may look rough.
  • The anklets.
  • The trunk is large

Muscle weakness

You may notice that your child has muscles that are weak.

  • Weakness at the torso, including the neck, shoulders, hips, and thighs.
  • Getting up off the floor or out of a seat is a problem.
  • Difficult climbing stairs.
  • A person falls.
  • Difficult swallowing
  • The voice is weakened.
  • GI upset.
  • walking on tip toes if The anklets. are affected

The symptoms may begin after a skin rash is noticed.

JDM affects the muscles on both sides of the body.

Other symptoms

You may notice other symptoms of JDM, like skin rash and muscle weakness.

There is no confirmed cause of JDM. The condition may be linked to:

  • If your family history includes diseases that are related to genetics.
  • The immune system and certain viruses.
  • The environment.

If your child has symptoms of JDM, you should bring them to their doctor. JDM may includeagnosing.

  • A family medical history.
  • A physical exam includes looking for skin rash, weakness in the muscles, and changes to the blood vessels around the nails.
  • Blood tests that measure muscle activity.
  • Muscle swelling can be observed with an iwth an iwth an iwth.
  • a biopsy to examine a small piece of muscle

“The tests will allow your child’s doctor to see the full picture of the condition. Understanding the severity of it and how it is affecting your child’s body will help create a treatment plan.”

Treatment for JDM can be Different. for each person. The goal of treatment is to stop the progression of JDM by controlling inflammation and improving strength.

Treatments can improve the quality of life and even lead to the end of symptoms, called remission, if they are done right.

Treatment team

“Your child’s primary care doctor may add specialists to the treatment plan.”

Medications

There are a lot of medications that can help JDM.

  • The use of corticosteroids that reduce swelling like prednisone should be avoided because of the harmful side effects.
  • other medications that suppress the immune system but are less harmful than steroids in the long term, such as:
    • methotrexate
    • Hydroxychloroquine is a drug.
    • anti-TNF drugs.
    • rituximab is a drug.
  • Ig is a form of immunoglobulin.

Lifestyle

Doctors recommend lifestyle modifications for children with JDM.

  • Sun protection: Use sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing, like hats, long-sleeve shirts, and pants.
  • Diet: Eat a nutritious and balanced diet that accounts for any difficulties with swallowing.
  • Exercise: Find movement your child enjoys to keep their body functioning well, but that also accounts for any mobility limitations.
  • Stress management: Try meditation, mindfulness, or deep breathing to reduce stress.

One 2019 study described life with JDM as a “rollercoaster.” Researchers found that children with JDM said they felt:

  • Different.
  • sick
  • Inflammation.
  • I was scared.
  • It is uncertain.

“These feelings are related to their symptoms, treatment, and life as a child. Make sure to consider your child’s emotional needs during treatment. If you need mental health support, your doctor can connect you with it.”

JDM has risk factors.

  • Family members have autoimmune conditions.
  • Being female affects more girls than boys.
  • Having other conditions like diabetes, or arthritis.

Treatments can manage symptoms and prevent them from getting worse. A child may experience a complete cure from their symptoms.

“Treatments can’t prevent the progression of symptoms. JDM can cause permanent disability or death. It is important to seek treatment immediately.”

JDM is a rare condition that affects the skin, muscles, and blood vessels in a child. There are many treatments available.

You will need to rely on a medical team for treatment and adopt certain habits that will keep your child strong.