Seborrheic area erythema as a common skin manifestation in Japanese patients with dermatomyositis.

BACKGROUND

Although dermatomyositis (DM)-associated facial erythema was noted in the nasolabial folds of Japanese patients, DM-associated facial erythema other than heliotrope rash has drawn little attention in previous studies.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize phenotypical features and frequencies of erythema, especially those in the seborrheic area of the head, in DM patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study on skin manifestations in 33 DM patients followed up at our department during the past 15 years was conducted.

RESULTS

Macular violaceous erythema (MVE) in the seborrheic area of the face was most frequent (67%). Patients with facial MVE had also MVE in the scalp significantly more frequently than those without facial MVE. The pathology of the facial MVE was dominated by DM-associated changes with slight changes compatible with seborrheic dermatitis (SD).

CONCLUSIONS

Japanese DM patients had MVE frequently in the seborrheic area of the head. Its phenotypical features suggested that it might be triggered by SD.