What is the Rare Inflammatory Disease Dermatomyositis that 19-Year-Old Dangal Actor Suhani Bhatnagar Died of?

The 19-year-old actress of popular film Dangal has died of a rare inflammatory disease called Dermatomyositis. Suhani Bhatnagar’s family has revealed that the actor was suffering from the skin disease, and was admitted to All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences on February 7, but Suhani died of medical complications on February 16.

Suhani’s mother, Puja Bhatnagar, said her daughter showed symptoms two months ago while she was diagnosed with the disease 10 days ago.

Suhani’s father, Sumit Bhatnagar, said there was no improvement in her health, and her lungs later got damaged after excess fluid accumulated in them, as quoted by NDTV.

What exactly is this disease?

This rare disease causes both inflammation of muscle and skin rash. Women are twice more likely than men to be infected with the disease. Some people who have shown symptoms of the disease have connective tissue disorder called lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The disease is likely to infect those between 50 and 70 age group.

What causes the disease and what are its symptoms?

According to John Jopkins website, the possible causes include:

• abnormal genes,

• cancer, especially in older people

• autoimmune disease, a type of disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues

• an infection or exposure in your environment that triggers the disease

The symptoms are caused by swelling and inflammation in blood vessels that supply your skin and muscles. They include:

• Red rash on sun-exposed areas that can be itchy or painful

• Red or purple swelling of upper eyelids

• Red or purple spots on the knuckles, elbows, knees and toes

• Joints that feel stuff and turn painful in cold conditions

• Scaly, rough and dry skin, which can lead to hair thinning

• Swollen red areas around fingernails

• Hard lumps under skin caused by calcium deposits

• Muscle weakness in the neck, hip, back and shoulders

• Trouble swallowing and voice changes

• Tiredness, fever and weight loss

• Muscle aches

What is the treatment?

There is no cure for the disease but the symptoms can be contained, and the treatment may change over time depending on symptoms, age and general health.

Physical exercises: stretching to help strength the muscles. Orthotics or assistive devices can be used.

Skin Treatment: avoid sun exposure, and wear sunscreen to help prevent the disease. Take antihistamine drugs or anti-steroid cream from healthcare provider to prevent skin rashes.

Anti-inflammatory medicines: The steroids or corticosteroids ease inflammation in the body, and can be given through an IV.

Surgery: Surgery can be done to remove calcium deposits under the skin if they become painful or infected.