Dermatomyositis is a diffusive non-infectious inflammatory disease of skin and muscles. Unique rashes appear on the patient's skin. Patients also has muscle weakness, pain and swelling. There may be associated joint, heart damage and other organ damage. The disease can be seen at any age. Patients over 40 years may be associated with malignant tumors. Prognosis of this disease is not good. Severe cases may even die. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy is effective, but large dose is required for a long time, which can easily causes serious side effects and complications. If hormone therapy alone is ineffective, immunosuppressive agents and cyclosporin A can be added.
How is Dermatomyositis treated in practice?