Dermatomyositis (DM) is a connective-tissue disease related to polymyositis (PM) that is characterized by inflammation of the muscles and the skin.
Dermatomyositis characteristically presents with several of the following dermatologic features: Heliotrope rash – erythema overlying the eyelids, often associated with periorbital edema Gottron’s papules – raised erythematous papules found predominantly on the knuckles V-sign – erythematous rash distributed across the chest in the area of UV exposure Shawl sign – same as V-sign, but distributed on the back of the neck Nail bed abnormalities – dilated and irregular capillary loops underlying the nail bed