TY - JOUR AU - Asmell Ramos Cabrera AU - Hector Oscar Victoria Barzaga AU - Ousman Leigh AU - Jennifer Shallop AU - Onyia Onyema AU - Chijiokw Ugonna Nwaigwe PY - 2024 DA - 2024/12/10 TI - Dark Lesions in Dark-Skinned People - Dermatomyositis Diagnostic Challenge: First Report In The Gambia JO - Medicine and Clinical Science VL - 6 IS - 5 AB - Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune condition characterized by progressive muscle weakness and distinctive skin rashes. Diagnosing DM in black patients can be challenging, as they often experience disease manifestations that differ, in their clinical expression, from traditional descriptions. Classic skin signs, such as erythema and Gottron papules, may not be as easily visible on darker skin. In contrast, chronic changes such as dyschromia and poikiloderma are more prominent. These more subtle manifestations can lead to delays in diagnosis and misdiagnosis. It is essential that the doctor be able to include dermatological manifestations as part of the systemic picture, in our case expressed by respiratory manifestations, arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon and muscle weakness. Facilitating the diagnosis of classic forms. Knowledge of these distinctive features is crucial for physicians to ensure a timely and accurate diagnosis. SN - 2690-5191 UR - https://dx.doi.org/10.33425/2690-5191.1132 DO - 10.33425/2690-5191.1132