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Treatment of Dermatomyositis

Treatments may include:

• Exercise and physical therapy
• Heat treatments
• Rest

Drugs used in the Treatment of Dermatomyositis

• Immunosuppressants. If your body doesn't respond adequately to corticosteroids, your doctor may recommend other immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine (Imuran) or methotrexate (Folex, Rheumatrex). Your doctor may prescribe these alone or in combination with corticosteroids. When in combination, these additional immunosuppressants can be used to lessen the dose and potential side effects of the corticosteroid. Immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) and cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) may improve signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis and interstitial lung disease.
• Antimalarial medications. For a persistent rash, your doctor may prescribe an antimalarial medication such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) or chloroquine (Aralen). Be aware, however, that adverse reactions to such medications, though uncommon, can be confused with the rash or weakness of dermatomyositis.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). This involves receiving intravenous infusions of antibodies from a group of donors over two to five days. This treatment may be an option for you if your dermatomyositis is severe or resistant to other forms of therapy.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can be used to treat any accompanying pain. If these aren't sufficient, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain reliever, such as codeine.

Surgery use in the treatment of Dermatomyositis

Surgery may be needed to help with contractures. Cutting stiff tissues (muscles, ligaments, and tendons) helps the joints move more easily. You may also need surgery to put pins in a joint. This makes the joint unable to bend so that you can continue using it. Also surgery may be needed to remove painful calcium deposits.