What is

Dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease characterised by skeletal muscle weakness and changes to the skin. The condition is uncommon and can affect people of any race, age and gender but appears to be twice as common in women.

A face rash is the most common initial skin sign, typically followed by scalp symptoms and changes on the hands. Other skin changes of dermatomyositis include:

• Discolouration and swelling (called heliotrope) of the eyelids
• A greyish-red shawl-like rash over the neck, shoulders, and upper chest and back
• Redness over the backs of the hands, elbows, and knees
• Smooth or scaly rash around the joints, especially fingers (called Gottron’s sign)
• Changes to the nail fold
• Photosensitivity on sun-exposed body areas
• Itchy scaly scalp with inflammation and thinning of the hair

WHO

We Are Looking For

• Aged 18 to 80 years old
• Lives in Victoria
• Has been diagnosed with moderate-to-severe dermatomyositis

Sounds like you? Apply now

ABOUT

SincLair Dermatology

Sinclair Dermatology was founded by internationally renowned dermatologist, Professor Rodney Sinclair. In 2010, Sinclair Dermatology established Australia’s largest dedicated Dermatology Investigational Research Education, and Clinical Trials Centre (DIRECT) to reinforce its commitment to excellence in patient care, clinical research and to the development of new treatments to improve patients’ lives.

Since its formation, DIRECT has conducted more than 100 global sponsored Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV clinical trials contributing to the treatment and advancement of care for many people with skin and hair disease.