Juvenile Myositis

Juvenile myositis is a rare, auto-immune disease, with approximately 2 to 4 children per million diagnosed with it in the United States each year.

The symptoms vary among children but may include sore, tired muscles; a skin rash, usually around the eyes or knuckles and joints; and a general tired feeling. In some children the disease is mild, in others it is severe and possibly debilitating. Its cause is currently unknown.

The muscles most often affected by juvenile myositis are the stomach, arm, back and thigh muscles. Depending on which muscles are weak, the child may have trouble reaching up, bending down or climbing. The rash may or may not be present.

Medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy can help alleviate the symptoms of juvenile myositis; the disease has no known cure.