Child's limp hands resting in doctor's hand for examination.

Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis can start gradually — maybe first as a simple rash on your child’s face or a slight weakness in their arms or legs.

But this rare autoimmune condition can increasingly make your child’s body fight against itself, causing more pain, swelling and fatigue. Enough that they might not feel well or strong enough to play, climb stairs, dress themselves or even swallow food.

Watching your child struggle to get through a day when they have juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) can make you feel helpless — and worried. But there’s hope. At Cleveland Clinic Children’s, we can make the right diagnosis for your child’s condition and help them manage their symptoms. We offer personalized care focused on getting them back to actively living life.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic Children’s for Juvenile Dermatomyositis Treatment?

Innovation and research:

We’re constantly looking for new, better ways to treat autoimmune conditions. For example, we’re studying the effects of immunotherapies on dermatomyositis-related complications, such as calcinosis cutis (painful calcium deposits under the skin).

Trusted experts:

We participate in patient registries like the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance. Registries collect data from thousands of children with JDM so we can better understand its long-term effects and how safe and effective different treatments are.

Personalized care:

Juvenile dermatomyositis affects each kid differently. Our experts will take the time to find out how it affects your child. They’ll then personalize treatment to help your child stay as mobile and healthy as possible. Meet our team.

Virtual visits:

Not all appointments need to be in person. Virtual visits let you meet one-on-one with your providers using a smartphone, tablet or computer — and your internet connection. You can talk about your progress and concerns with them from the comfort of home.

National recognition:

U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Cleveland Clinic Children’s a top hospital in the nation. Newsweek has also named Cleveland Clinic a top hospital in the world.

Diagnosing Juvenile Dermatomyositis at Cleveland Clinic Children’s

Making a correct diagnosis is the first step in treating juvenile dermatomyositis. JDM can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms mimic those of other conditions like eczema or lupus. It takes an experienced team and the right tests to correctly identify JDM.

When your child comes to Cleveland Clinic Children’s, they’ll have a care team of providers from different specialties who work together (and with you) to design the most personalized treatment plan possible. This care team could include:

At your child’s first visit, we’ll do a physical exam to look at their rash, talk with you about other symptoms you’ve noticed and test their muscle strength. We’ll also do other tests to help us pinpoint the diagnosis, like:

Blood tests: Blood tests help identify muscle inflammation. Your child’s blood may also contain specific antibodies (proteins made by the blood) related to JDM.
MRI: MRI produces detailed images of soft tissues in the body, including muscles. It can help your child’s provider find areas of muscle inflammation and swelling.

Providers Who Treat Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Locations

At Cleveland Clinic Children's, we're here when you need us most. Find a location near you.

Pediatric Dermatomyositis Treatment at Cleveland Clinic Children’s

Once we confirm that your child has juvenile dermatomyositis, our next step is to work with your family to build a treatment plan that makes them feel comfortable by reducing inflammation and relieving pain. We’ll try to lower their risk for serious health complications with medications and therapy — and give them a good quality of life.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids like prednisone can reduce skin and muscle inflammation and improve muscle strength. Your child may receive steroids intravenously (through a vein in their arm) or orally (by mouth).

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants like methotrexate, work by calming your child’s immune system so that it doesn’t attack healthy cells. Most children take methotrexate and prednisone at the same time.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

This treatment helps us give your child healthy immunoglobulins (antibodies) from donated blood. IVIG can reduce inflammation and prevent your child’s immune system from overreacting.

Physical, occupational and speech therapy

Different kinds of therapy can help your child improve muscle strength and range of motion. They learn new ways to do everyday activities like moving, speaking and swallowing.

Taking the Next Step

Finding out your child has an autoimmune condition like juvenile dermatomyositis can be stressful for them and your family. And it can change the way you live. At Cleveland Clinic Children's, we provide the compassionate, family-centered care you need to face the challenges a JDM diagnosis can bring. Our team offers the guidance, support and the therapies your child needs to thrive — and feel like a kid again.