Inflammatory myopathies encompass a wide range of disorders. This article deals with the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Classification and diagnostic criteria proposed by Bohan and Peter are still widely used. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, muscle enzyme abnormalities, electromyographic findings and muscle biopsy results. There are known associations with malignancy and lung disease which may affect the prognosis. Management consists of the prudent use of corticosteroids. In refractory cases, cytotoxic agents, cyclosporin and plasmapheresis have been used.