Flash information
- Colour
- Erythematous-violaceous
- Elevation
- Papules or plaques
- Site
- Dorsal finger joints
- Direction
- Assess for dermatomyositis
Definition
Gottron papules are raised inflammatory lesions over dorsal joint surfaces of the hands.
Examination or reading method
Inspect knuckles, elbows, knees and nailfolds; assess proximal muscle strength.
Morphological description
Record violaceous colour, scale, symmetry and distribution; distinguish Gottron papules from flat Gottron erythema.
Causes and diagnostic direction
This sign strongly suggests dermatomyositis; skin manifestations may predominate.
Differential diagnoses
Psoriasis, dermatitis and other knuckle eruptions may mimic the sign; distribution helps distinguish them.
Associated findings
Assess heliotrope rash, photosensitivity, proximal weakness, dysphagia and respiratory symptoms.
Red flags
Dysphagia, marked weakness or dyspnoea warrants assessment of muscle and associated organ involvement.
Pitfalls and limitations
Absence of weakness or substantial enzyme elevation does not exclude skin-predominant dermatomyositis.
Take-home message
The joint-centred distribution is essential; integrate skin, muscle and systemic context.
Sources
Documentary review: 2026-10-12
Media source & rights
- Author
- Mohammad2018
- Original source
- Mohammad2018 — Gottron papules .dermatomyocitis.jpg — CC BY-SA 4.0 — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AGottron_papules_.dermatomyocitis.jpg
- Licence
- CC BY-SA 4.0
- Changes
- Orientation EXIF normalisée ; conversion WebP et redimensionnement proportionnel plafonné à 1600/400px ; aucun recadrage, aucune retouche médicale ; EXIF supprimé. Dérivé écran proportionnel ≤1280 px, WebP qualité76 ; vignette ≤320 px qualité72. Source acquise et dérivé initial conservés sans modification ; aucune retouche médicale, aucun recadrage.
- Dimensions
- 800 × 903 px
- Check
- 2026-10-11