Scalp Disease in Dermatomyositis: A 10-Year Study

June 2024 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

A. Connolly, Marianna Philippidou, Patrick Gordon, Chris Wincup, F.S. Worsnop, D. Creamer

dermatomyositis scalp disease hair loss Cutaneous Dermatomyositis Area and Severity Index CDASI myositis-specific antibodies TIF-1g scalp biopsies basement membrane thickening elastosis DM scalp involvement itching soreness

TLDR Scalp disease in dermatomyositis causes significant symptoms and has unique features.

The study conducted at King’s College Hospital, London, examined scalp disease in dermatomyositis (DM) over a 10-year period, involving 96 adult patients. It found that 47 patients had scalp involvement, with significant symptoms such as itching, soreness, and hair loss. The study highlighted that scalp DM is often overlooked but contributes substantially to patient morbidity. Scalp biopsies revealed unique dermatopathological features, including thickening of the basement membrane around follicles and severe elastosis. The findings suggest that the scalp has a specific susceptibility to DM inflammation, similar to other inflammatory dermatoses like psoriasis and lupus. This study is the first to quantify the impact of scalp involvement in DM.

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