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Suggest Treatment For Dermatomyositis
Question: I have dermatomyositis. What treatment do you suggest?
Brief Answer:
Treatment seems to be proceeding on right lines
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Dermatomyositis is characterized by inflammation of the skin and underlying muscle tissue, involving degeneration of collagen, discoloration, and swelling, typically occurring as an autoimmune condition. However underlying cancers also need to be ruled out. Prednisone (prescription medication) is the first-line therapy for muscle involvement in dermatomyositis and should be tried first. The dose is altered according to the response of the patient’s condition. The next line of treatment is with immunosuppressive drugs like Tacrolimus or Methotrexate. Disease modifying agents like antimalarials, particularly hydroxychloroquine, can also be tried. I see that you are already being treated with these. Whether any modification of the regimen needs to be done depends upon the response. Else, this treatment should suffice and should be continued. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is also beneficial for both cutaneous and muscular involvement and may be given from time to time.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Treatment seems to be proceeding on right lines
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Dermatomyositis is characterized by inflammation of the skin and underlying muscle tissue, involving degeneration of collagen, discoloration, and swelling, typically occurring as an autoimmune condition. However underlying cancers also need to be ruled out. Prednisone (prescription medication) is the first-line therapy for muscle involvement in dermatomyositis and should be tried first. The dose is altered according to the response of the patient’s condition. The next line of treatment is with immunosuppressive drugs like Tacrolimus or Methotrexate. Disease modifying agents like antimalarials, particularly hydroxychloroquine, can also be tried. I see that you are already being treated with these. Whether any modification of the regimen needs to be done depends upon the response. Else, this treatment should suffice and should be continued. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is also beneficial for both cutaneous and muscular involvement and may be given from time to time.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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