Causes

Associated conditions

Dermatomyositis might cause other conditions or put you at higher risk of developing them, including:

• Raynaud's phenomenon. This condition causes your fingers, toes, cheeks, nose and ears to turn pale when exposed to cold temperatures.
• Other connective tissue diseases. Other conditions — such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and Sjogren's syndrome — can occur with dermatomyositis.
• Cardiovascular disease. Dermatomyositis can cause heart muscle inflammation. In a small number of people who have dermatomyositis, congestive heart failure and heart rhythm problems develop.
• Lung disease. Interstitial lung disease can occur with dermatomyositis. Interstitial lung disease refers to a group of disorders that cause scarring of lung tissue, making the lungs stiff and inelastic. Signs include a dry cough and shortness of breath.
• Cancer. Dermatomyositis in adults has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing cancer, particularly ovarian cancer in women. Risk of cancer appears to level off three years or so after a diagnosis of dermatomyositis.