How Do You Treat Dermatomyositis?

Distinguished by inflammation of the muscles and skin, Dermatomyositis is a connective tissue allied to polymyositis. Despite the fact that, Dermatomyositis affects skin and muscles, this disorder also has an effect on joints, the esophagus, lungs and heart. With that said, it is one of the most common autoimmune inflammatory muscle disorders. Affecting people of all ages including children, females and males, the rash of DM often precede the muscle disorder.

The hives of DM often describes a heliotrope rash, which resembles a patchy pink-purple discoloration that appears on face, particularly around the eyes, neck shoulder, upper chest, elbows, knuckles, knees and back respectively. A dappled rash may build up over the neck and upper chest and back in the pattern of a pressure (shawl sign).

Dermatomyositis treatment:

In order to prevent and reduce enduring morbidity in juvenile Dermatomyositis Treatment, a multidisciplinary approach is required.

Majority of patients respond well to treatment while patients with synchronized heart or lung disorders may have severe impact and ends up with difficulty in responding to the therapy as well.

As a first line of treatment corticosteroids are prescribed, if they are ineffective immunosuppressants like azathioprine and methotrexate, are prescribed. In extreme cases, intravenous immunoglobulin may be used. For better muscle functioning physical therapy is recommended. The dosage may be reduced according to the activity of the disease.

With all that said, there are several other treatments done for severe cases and it includes: Intravenous immune globulin, Infliximab, Rituximab, Total body irradiation, Plasma exchange and Leukapheresis.

In view of the fact that, this is a serious disease with long-term implications, the patient must be given utmost care. They need healthy lifestyle i.e. physical exercise and nutritious diet is an integral part of treatment.