Inflammatory Myositis (Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis)
The inflammatory myopathies (dermatomyositis and polymyositis) are autoimmune diseases that target the muscles. This leads to weakness and elevated levels of creatine kinase (CK), a type of protein. Patients with dermatomyositis often have skin rashes that can be disfiguring and very sensitive to sun exposure. Patients with inflammatory myositis often have other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and scleroderma.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. It is caused when the immune system (the body's defense system) is not working properly. RA causes pain and swelling in the wrist and small joints of the hand and feet. Treatments for RA can stop joint pain and swelling, as well as prevent joint damage.
