Shop Plans
Health
Find a Health Plan
We offer a complete choice of plans to meet your coverage needs and fit your budget.
More Plans
Travel
Cancer
VIP
Dental
Get a Dental Plan
We offer three Traditional plans and three Certified plans to meet your needs.
Medicare
Pick a Medicare Plan
Thinking about your Medicare options? Find out which plan is right for you.
Find Doctor or Drug
Find a Doctor
Find a Doctor or Drug
Pick a directory to search or find other helpful information about drug resources, quality programs and more.
Directories
Louisiana Provider Directory
Quality Blue Directory
National Provider Directory
BlueDental Advantage Plus Directory
Davis Vision Directory
Hospital Based Physicians
ER/OR Information
Are you planning a hospital stay? If you just found out that you need surgery, or if you will be admitted to a hospital or ambulatory surgical center for any reason, you will most likely receive some care during your stay from a hospital-based physician. Learn more.
Other Directories
Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core
Federal Employee Program (FEP)
Rx Drug Resources
Manage your medicine, find drug lists and learn how to save money.
Quality Programs
Quality Blue Programs
We work with doctors, hospitals and clinics around Louisiana to make sure you have a better healthcare experience.
Save Money
$25 Gym Memberships
Find a Gym
For just $25 a month and a $25 enrollment fee, you'll have access to 9,000 participating fitness locations around the state and nation.
More Money-Saving Tips
Find Discounts
Lower Drug Costs
Preventive Care Services
Primary Care Doctor
Pick a Primary Care Doctor
Picking a primary care doctor is an important step to staying healthy and saving money.
Choose the Right Care
Where you and go and who you see for treatment is a big part of getting quality healthcare while saving money.
Wellness
Discounts
Get discounts on gym memberships, fitness gear, healthy eating, prescriptions and more.
More Wellness Tips
Tools
Member Programs
Find a Program
Whether you want to quit smoking or find the right doctor, we have many programs to help.
Wellness Library
Learn About Wellness
Read articles, take quizzes, watch videos and listen to podcasts about many health topics.
Learn
Insurance 101
Learn the Basics
Understand your plan, learn about health savings accounts, and watch helpful videos.
Social
Find Us on Social Media
Join the conversation and stay connected with us for exclusive content.
Straight Talk
Get Straight Answers
If you're looking for a straight answer to your healthcare questions, this is the place.
My Account
My Account Information
Claims
Benefits
Costs
Statements
Pharmacy
Manage Account
Manage Your Account
Pay your bill, view your statements or update your email or password.
Forms
Other Coverage Questionnaire
Authorized Delegate
Health Assessment
Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare disease that causes muscle inflammation and a skin rash. It's different from other muscle diseases because it also causes skin problems. Symptoms often first appear in children between ages 5 and 10. Children with JDM have weak muscles around the neck, shoulders, and hips. They also have a skin rash around certain areas such as the eyelids, knuckles, and finger joints.
The exact cause is not yet known. But it may be linked to problems with the immune system that result in infections.
JDM symptoms often appear slowly over time. In some cases, they may happen more quickly or severely. Each child’s symptoms may vary. The most common symptoms include:
Fever
Rash around the eyelids, knuckles, or finger joints
Rash on the elbows, knees, and ankles
Muscle weakness
Lack of energy (fatigue)
Ill feeling (malaise)
Muscle pain and soreness
Irritable mood
Trouble swallowing
Weight loss, due to trouble swallowing
Joint pain and inflammation
Calcium deposits under the skin (calcinosis)
Mouth ulcers
Muscles wasting away (muscle atrophy)
Some muscles may become paralyzed in a contracted position
Abnormal swelling and distortion of the blood vessels around the nails
These symptoms can seem like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Your child's healthcare provider will ask about your child's health history and do a physical exam. Your child may also have tests, such as:
Blood tests. These tests are used to check for antibodies, muscle enzymes, and signs of inflammation.
Electromyelogram (EMG). This is an electrical test that may be done to find nerve or muscle damage.
MRI. This test uses large magnets and a computer to look for inflammation in the body.
Muscle and skin biopsy. Tiny tissue samples are removed and examined under a microscope.
Nailfold capillaroscopy. The nailbeds are examined using a lighted magnifying tool. Abnormal swelling and distortion of nailbeds suggests active disease.
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.
There is no known cure for JDM. But the symptoms can be managed. The disease may go into remission. This means the symptoms will go away. Treatments may include:
Medicines. These are used to treat inflammation and skin symptoms.
Physical and occupational therapy. This can help to improve muscle function and strength.
An exercise program. This can also help improve muscle function and strength.
Sunscreen. Using sunscreen helps prevent more irritation or damage to the skin.
Nutrition. A healthy diet will help support the body during the disease.
Supplements and vitamins
Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.
Many children will recover from JDM without any lasting problems. Some children may have trouble moving because of shortening of the joints (contractures). Other children may have ongoing (chronic) symptoms. These may include pain, muscle weakness, and delayed growth. There may be damage to bones, joints, lungs, and other internal organs.
Juvenile dermatomyositis can make it hard for a child to take part in school and other activities. Work with your child’s school to help teachers and caregivers understand your child’s limits. A healthy lifestyle can help improve your child’s quality of life. This includes a good diet, exercise, and rest. A support group may help your child feel less alone or different.
Tell the healthcare provider if your child's symptoms get worse or there are new symptoms.
Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare disease that causes muscle inflammation and a skin rash.
Symptoms often first appear in children between ages 5 and 10.
Symptoms include fever, rash, muscle weakness and pain, and calcium deposits under the skin.
The condition also causes a rash around the eyelids, knuckles, or finger joints. A rash may also occur on the elbows, knees, and ankles.
Some children may have a complete remission of the disease. Others may have chronic symptoms that continue.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are.
Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.