Lacey, I would visit or call the pharmacist at your drug store. It may be that your sores could be a drug interaction. I would also notify your doctor right away. We all get some sores related to DM/PM but not usually alot of sores like you are describing. DM usually gets a face rash and other rashes on the body that may be itchy. I do not think PM gets any skin manifestations. Keep us posted on what you find out.

thank you for reminding me about the pharmacist, i forget you can get help there, i am seeing the doctor on tuesday, hopefully she will be able to do something about this

went to rheumy, she took one look at sores and sent me off to an infecious disease doctor, he took swabs and now waiting on results - was suppose to start rituxan treatments in july, now that is on hold

Infectious disease?? really... Sorry but you need the best medical dermatologist in your state!!! I won't even describe the open sores i have seen at Stanford in the Dermatomyositis clinic. But you need the best of care. Open sores can let disease in, and then you might need infectious disease...

So sorry you are suffering.
Hope there is a quick fix, Shawna

I am currently suffering from open sores which are due to calcium deposits that have ulcerated. Mine also started out very small and are now approximately 9cm across under both arms. I HIGHLY recommend a dermatologist that will work very closely with your rheumatologist and who is experienced with dermatomyositis.

ansuits, do you get lumps with the sores when you have the calcium skin problems? so far no one can tell me what is going on, so i have been putting witch hazel and hydrogen peroxide on the sores and it seems to be healing them, stings like you know what, but figure it was worth it if it heals them up

Remember, the Prednisone -- especially the high dose you're on -- keeps sores from healing, causes very thin skin, and will make it easier to get infections. I assume your doctor has weighed the benefits against the risks. I've had a bit of a flare recently, so yesterday I started a high dose of Medrol, but it is only for a short period of time. The knee surgery I had a little better than a month ago has not healed yet, so I can't have a long time on steroids. This recent surgery was initially precipitated by very large calcium deposits that penetrated the skin and then refused to heal. That called for surgery, which included skin grafting with Integra and later Aplegraph.(sp?). Now a while back I bumped that skin graft, it split ope, hence the latest surgery. Anyway, our skin is pretty fragile!

Hope you get answers and help soon!

Hi,

I had open sores on my hands for about 2 months. It was aweful and I was in a lot of pain. I know what you are going through. Mine actually went away when I took antibiotics( long story but I was hospitalized after my muscle biopsy due to an infection-thanks to prednisone.) The doctors out me on antibiotics for 2 months to cure the infection and my sores cleared up.

When I was also first diagnosed I got sores on my face( near my eyes) I put argon and coconut oil on it which helped. But, I think it is the prednisone. this all happened when I was on 60 as well, and now I am on 25mg and the effects are minimizing.