Childhood dermatomyositis is a rare disease; yet when it occurs, it is devastating and frustrating for the child. It is a multisystem disorder with a potentially fatal outcome. The child who acquires and survives this disease is faced with a prolonged convalescent period for 2 or more years. Skilled nursing assessment and interventions are instrumental in minimizing the physical and emotional sequelae.Clinical manifestations include primarily a characteristic skin rash and muscular weakness. Fatal consequences result from cardiac or respiratory compromise or gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Astute recognition of systemic changes is essential for early treatment of complications.Nursing interventions contribute to a favorable outcome. The nurse is challenged by problems of inadequate nutrition, constipation, immobility, pain, skin rash, self-care deficit, and altered growth and development. Discharge planning requires extensive family education, home assessment, and community referrals.This article presents childhood dermatomyositis from a nursing perspective, addressing nursing concerns from initial assessment through discharge. A comprehensive nursing care plan is included.