Skin

Patterns:

  • People with myotonic dystrophy DM1 have an increased frequency of pilomatrixoma, a type of benign skin tumor. This type of tumor is rare in the general population but fairly common in people with myotonic dystrophy DM1

Symptoms:

  • Pilomatrixomas often occur around the head or neck and feel like firm lumps just beneath the surface of the skin. Some researchers have suggested that DM1 may also be associated with an increased frequency of other types of tumors, such as tumors of the parathyroid, pituitary, or thymus glands. However, at this point there is no clear evidence to support this idea. 

Treatment:

  • These tumors are benign and can be cured by surgical removal.

Patterns:

  • Hormonal imbalance or underlying problems with skin and hair follicles may contribute to alopecia and other skin conditions in such as, dysplastic nevi and seborrheic dermatitis.

Treatment:

  • Prevent skin pressure injuries by frequent repositioning and avoidance of pressure points in cribs or car seats for infants with reduced movement resulting from severe weakness.