Two Signs of Dermatomyositis

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The skin finding shown above is commonly referred to as the “shawl sign”-a classic skin finding in dermatomyositis. This inflammatory myositis often presents with hip flexor weakness and skin changes in sun-exposed areas.

See more cases like this on Figure 1.

Other skin changes may be present as well. These include the heliotrope rash, which is pathognomonic of dermatomyositis. A violaceous discoloration of the eyelids is characteristic, and may be associated with a more extensive facial rash with a photosensitive distribution.

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