Recovery & Support for Dermatomyositis

For some people, dermatomyositis resolves on its own about five years after diagnosis. In others, symptoms may last for a lifetime. NYU Langone doctors offer continued guidance and support to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

If your symptoms change or if annual screening tests indicate that you have another medical condition, your doctor adjusts your medication and can refer you to an NYU Langone specialist for further testing and, if necessary, treatment.

Follow-up Care

During periodic follow-up visits, NYU Langone doctors monitor the effectiveness of medication for dermatomyositis, determine if your prescription or prescriptions need to be adjusted, and offer emotional support. If your symptoms change, your doctors reassess your treatment plan.

Annual Screening Tests

Throughout treatment, your doctor recommends annual tests to screen for common conditions associated with dermatomyositis. These include lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and, in adults, cancer. If there are no signs of cancer after three to five years, your risk drops dramatically, so your doctor may recommend less frequent screenings.

Mind–Body Wellness

NYU Langone doctors understand that the symptoms of dermatomyositis can cause depression and anxiety. They offer integrative health services, such as acupuncture, massage, and psychotherapy, to relieve stress and enhance your sense of wellbeing.

NYU Langone counselors also offer Tobacco Cessation Programs to help you quit smoking, which can increase the effectiveness of antimalarial medications.