Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is an auto-immune musculoskeletal disease. A malfunctioning immune system attacks the body and causes inflammation of muscles. This leads to gradual muscle weakness. As a result the child may be exhausted by simple, everyday activities like walking upstairs or lifting a school bag, or have trouble keeping up with friends while playing.
In later stages it can also be associated with skin rash, typically around the eyelids or over the knuckles or finger joints, leading parents to seek medical attention.