A purple rash on the eyelids is a sign ofheliotroperash.
The color and appearance resemble that of the heliotrope flower, where the name comes from.
Heliotrope rash is a telltale sign of a rare inflammatory connective tissue disease calleddermatomyositis.
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This is why it’s also sometimes called “dermatomyositis eyes.”
Dermatomyositis is resulting from the body’s immune system attacking healthy tissues.
Anyone can develop a heliotrope rash from dermatomyositis.
As with manyautoimmune diseases, women may be more affected than men.
Heliotrope rash symptoms can be located on the eye and eyelid and affect other body areas.
Some symptoms, like muscle weakness, may come on suddenly or gradually over weeks and months.
People with this symptom can undergo a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Here are some skin-care and self-care practices experts say can help with heliotrope rash, specifically.
Prognosis
For some people, symptoms will resolve and won’t return.
Others may experience chronic rash outbreaks and other symptoms for the rest of their lives.
People with anti-MDA-5 antibodies have a particularly poor disease outcome, even with treatment.
Summary
Heliotrope rash is a purple or violet rash on the eye area and upper eyelids.
It is a telltale symptom of dermatomyositis.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Dermatomyositis.
National Organization for Rare Diseases.Dermatomyositis.
DeWane ME, Waldman R, Lu K.Dermatomyositis: clinical features and pathogenesis.J Am Acad Dermatol.
2020;82(2):283-296. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.05.105
Boston Children’s Hospital.Juvenile dermatomyositis.
