Overview
Dermatomyositis, a connective tissue disease, typically produces a reddish-purple (violaceous) rash. The rash is named after the tendency of plants to grow toward the sun (heliotropic) and is characteristic of dermatomyositis.
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.