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Dermatomyositis: Dermoscopic features and a short review
Fatima-Ezzahraa Zeroual1, Layla Bendaoud1, Maryam Aboudourib1
1Dermatology Department, Arrazi Hospital, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco.
Dermatology Online Journal
|July 29, 2026
Summary
Dermoscopy reveals distinct skin and nailfold features in dermatomyositis patients. These findings, including specific vascular patterns and scales, aid in understanding this connective tissue disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Dermoscopy is valuable for connective tissue diseases.
- Dermoscopic features in dermatomyositis (DM) are understudied for skin and nailfold changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document and compare cutaneous and nailfold dermoscopic findings in dermatomyositis patients.
- To contribute to the limited existing literature on dermoscopy in DM.
Main Methods:
- Dermoscopic examination of skin and nailfolds in 11 DM patients.
- Comparison of findings with previously published dermoscopic data on DM.
Main Results:
- Key cutaneous findings: uniform linear vessels, white scales (11/11), structureless white areas (9/11), brown globules (9/11), mottled brown pigmentation (8/11).
- Key nailfold findings: dilated capillaries and avascular areas (11/11), architectural disorganization (10/11), tortuous vessels (8/11), hemorrhages (7/11), megacapillaries (2/11).
- Compared to prior studies, this series provides more comprehensive data on DM dermoscopic features.
Conclusions:
- Dermoscopy reveals characteristic cutaneous and nailfold features in dermatomyositis.
- Further research with larger cohorts is necessary to establish definitive dermoscopic signs for DM.
- Dermoscopy may potentially serve as a prognostic tool for disease activity and progression in dermatomyositis.
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