They are brought on by a rare inflammatory muscle disease calleddermatomyositis.
Causes
Gottron papules are essentially diagnostic for a disease of muscle inflammation called dermatomyositis.
Experts have not teased out a precise cause behind dermatomyositis.
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They suspect that this disease occurs as a result of many factors coming together.
Diagnosis
Many dermatologists can recognize Gottron papules by their classic appearance.
During the skin examination, a healthcare provider will also look for other rashes associated with dermatomyositis.
Eyelid swelling often accompanies this rash.
This is because Gottron’s papules can mimic other skin conditions, such aspsoriasisorlichen planus.
This skin sample is processed and examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
They can sort out your diagnosis and get you started on the right treatment plan.
Malik A, Hayat G, Kalia JS, Guzman MA.Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: Clinical approach and management.Front Neurol.
2020;82(2):283-296. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.105
