Non-Pharmacologic Therapies
Reviewed on February 14, 2025
Lifestyle and Diet
In addition to pharmacologic therapies, patients with dermatomyositis (DM) should make some modifications to their lifestyle to optimize their care.
- Physical exercise such as aerobic exercise and resistance training are an important part of DM management and help to enhance muscle strength. Range of motion exercise is helpful to prevent contractures. Exercises can improve daily functioning and prevent muscle atrophy. These should be started in the early phase of the disease.
- Sun avoidance and sun-protective measures are recommended in all patients with skin disease. Patients should avoid sunlight, use sunscreen, and adopt sun-protective measures such as wearing wide-brimmed hats and full-body covered clothing to prevent exacerbation of photosensitive skin rashes.
- Patients with severe muscle inflammation may require a high protein diet to support muscle recovery and manage inflammation. Patients who have esophageal dysfunction may require a special diet and an elevation…
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Lifestyle and Diet
In addition to pharmacologic therapies, patients with dermatomyositis (DM) should make some modifications to their lifestyle to optimize their care.
- Physical exercise such as aerobic exercise and resistance training are an important part of DM management and help to enhance muscle strength. Range of motion exercise is helpful to prevent contractures. Exercises can improve daily functioning and prevent muscle atrophy. These should be started in the early phase of the disease.
- Sun avoidance and sun-protective measures are recommended in all patients with skin disease. Patients should avoid sunlight, use sunscreen, and adopt sun-protective measures such as wearing wide-brimmed hats and full-body covered clothing to prevent exacerbation of photosensitive skin rashes.
- Patients with severe muscle inflammation may require a high protein diet to support muscle recovery and manage inflammation. Patients who have esophageal dysfunction may require a special diet and an elevation of the head after meals.
References
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