Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Dermatomyositis, heliotrope rash on the face

Dermatomyositis, heliotrope rash on the face

Inflammation of the connective tissues (dermatomyositis) typically produces a reddish-purple (violaceous) rash. The rash is named after the tendency of plants to grow toward the sun (heliotropic) and is characteristic of dermatomyositis.

Update Date: 12/24/2007

Updated by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; and Paul H. Plotz, MD, Chief, Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Previously reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/12/2007).

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