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Dermatomyositis on the legs

Dermatomyositis on the legs

Overview

The appearance of purple (violaceous) plaques on the knees may be associated with dermatomyositis. Typically, most lesions associated with other diseases are red (erythematous).

Review Date 1/25/2023

Updated by: Neil J. Gonter, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia University, NY and private practice specializing in Rheumatology at Rheumatology Associates of North Jersey, Teaneck, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.