What causes a heliotrope rash ?
HELIOTROPE RASH : A heliotrope rash is a reddish purple rash that occurs as the first noticeable symptom of an inflammatory muscle disease called dermatomyositis . The rash takes its name from the heliotrope flower, which has purple petals. Dermatomyositis causes progressive muscle weakness. In children, it can also damage the blood vessels. A heliotrope rash is a reddish purple rash on or around the eyelids. The rash can look patchy and uneven and is often accompanied by a swollen eyelid. WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HELIOTROPE RASH ? A heliotrope rash is characteristic of dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is part of a group of muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies or myositis (inflammation of muscle). Dermatomyositis is a chronic autoinflammatory disease, with symptoms that may change over time. About a third who develop dermatomyositis as children recover, but the remainder continue to experience symptoms. It may be due to an under...