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.
(2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.)