The rash is often followed by a weakness in the muscles, primarily those around the torso and worsens over time. Also characterized as an inflammatory muscle disease, the weakness and soreness of the muscle occurs when the muscle tissue and skin becomes inflamed. Recent studies have shown that Vitamin D is a strong fighter against muscle weakness and helps to maintain the strength of your immune system. A Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle pain and may weaken your body’s defense against infection, making you at a higher risk for autoimmune disorders.
Autoimmune disorders occur when the body mistakenly attacks healthy body tissue. Classified as this type of disorder, Dermatomyositis, pronounced: Der-MAA-toe-MY-oh-SI-tis, is often first recognized as a red rash that can be found all over your face and/or torso. The rash is often followed by a weakness in the muscles, primarily those around the torso and worsens over time. Also characterized as an inflammatory muscle disease, the weakness and soreness of the muscle occurs when the muscle tissue and skin becomes inflamed.
Directly linked causes of Dermatomyositis are unclear but a viral infection may cause the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy muscle tissue bringing on the symptoms of the disease. While an aching in the muscles is not a sure sign of Dermatomyositis, it may be beneficial to see your physician.
To test for the disease a skin biopsy is often done along with numerous tests including, blood tests, cancer tests, MRIs, and EMGs or electromyograms, which tests the responsiveness of one’s muscles through electrical currents. There are no known preventions for Dermatomysitis but numerous treatments such as cortisone-like and immunosuppressive drugs help to alleviate pain.
Recent studies have shown that Vitamin D is a strong fighter against muscle weakness and helps to maintain the strength of your immune system. A Vitamin D deficiency can lead to muscle pain and may weaken your body’s defense against infection, making you at a higher risk for autoimmune disorders.
An article in India Times published earlier this month called Vitamin D, nature’s antibiotic. The article goes on to describe the health benefits of Vitamin D and how easy it is to acquire a deficiency. “…vitamin D is now seen as one of the most critical nutrients for overall health. But it is also one of those most likely to be deficient – especially during winter when production of the "sunshine vitamin" almost grinds to a halt for people.” The correlating relationship between low levels of vitamin D and one’s susceptibility for infection have peaked many doctor’s interest in the antibiotic.
"About 70 percent of the population of the United States has insufficient levels of vitamin D. This is a critical issue as we learn more about the many roles it may play in fighting infection, balancing your immune response, helping to address autoimmune problems, and even preventing heart disease," said Adrian Gombart, a principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
As the winter months approach it is important that we continue to strengthen our immune systems and blockade ourselves from infection. As natural sources of Vitamin D grow scarce and our exposure to sunlight becomes less and less we must look for immune boosters in our diet and/or consider taking vitamin supplements.