The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Dermatomyositis includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.
The first step in getting correct treatment is to get a correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis list for Dermatomyositis may include:
Hidden causes of Dermatomyositis may be incorrectly diagnosed:
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Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Dermatomyositis include:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Dermatomyositis:
Treatment for polymyositis generally consists of a steroid drug called prednisone. For patients in whom prednisone is not effective, immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and methotrexate may be prescribed. Intravenous immunoglobulin has also helped difficult cases. Physical therapy is usually recommended to avoid muscle atrophy. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Polymyositis Information Page: NINDS)
Treatment for dermatomyositis generally consists of a steroid drug called prednisone. For patients in whom prednisone is not effective, other immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and methotrexate may be prescribed. Recently, a drug called intravenous immunoglobulin was shown to be effective and safe in the treatment of the disease. Physical therapy is usually recommended to preserve muscle function and avoid muscle atrophy. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Dermatomyositis Information Page: NINDS)
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Measures to ease this chronic disorder include meticulous skin care, environmental control of offending allergens, and drug therapy. Because dry skin aggravates itching, frequent application of nonirritating topical lubricants is important, especially after bathing or showering. Minimizing exposure to allergens and irritants, such as wools and harsh detergents, also helps control symptoms.
Drug therapy involves corticosteroids and antipruritics. Active dermatitis responds well to topical corticosteroids, which should be applied immediately after bathing for optimal penetration. Oral antihistamines are commonly used to help control itching. A bedtime dose may reduce involuntary scratching during sleep. If secondary infection develops, antibiotics are necessary. A newer treatment is the use of topical immunomodulators; these agents are steroid-free and have demonstrated an 80% success rate in studies.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
High-dose corticosteroid therapy relieves inflammation and lowers muscle enzyme levels. Within 2 to 6 weeks after treatment, serum muscle enzyme levels usually return to normal, and muscle strength improves, permitting a gradual tapering down of corticosteroid dosage. If the patient responds poorly to corticosteroids, treatment may include cytotoxic or immunosuppressant drugs. Supportive therapy includes bed rest during the acute phase, range-of-motion (ROM) exercises to prevent contractures, analgesics and application of heat to relieve painful muscle spasms, and diphenhydramine to relieve itching. Patients older than age 40 need thorough assessment for coexisting cancer.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
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