Amyopathic Dermatomyositis Presenting as Severe Alopecia and Prominent Eyelid Edema: A Case Report and Literature Review
January 2026
in “
Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina Pannonica et Adriatica
”
Studysummary In this case report, a 62-year-old woman with suspected discoid lupus erythematosus experienced worsening skin and hair symptoms despite treatment with topical corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapy, and hydroxychloroquine, leading to her referral to a tertiary dermatology center.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 62-year-old woman with a history of smoking, hypertension, and chronic gastritis was initially misdiagnosed with discoid lupus erythematosus and treated with topical corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapy, and hydroxychloroquine for 5 months without improvement. Her symptoms, which began 3 years prior, included a scaly scalp rash and progressive hair loss, eventually leading to facial erythema, diffuse frontal alopecia, and mild eyelid swelling. Due to worsening symptoms, she was referred to a tertiary dermatology center, where her condition was identified as amyopathic dermatomyositis, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis in managing severe alopecia and related symptoms.
