Sjögren’s syndrome can cause painful, unpleasant dryness throughout the body. While there is no cure at this time, there are many strategies you may use to feel better quickly, and prevent serious complications down the road.

Severe dryness of usually moist body tissues, such as mouth, eyes, skin and vagina, are the hallmark symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome. Some people may experience dryness of the nose or throat as well. Dryness in these tissues can lead to other problems, such as infections in cracked skin, yeast infections in the vagina, or corneal ulcers in the eye. Some people have swollen parotid glands on the sides of their faces, and in a small percentage of people, Sjögren’s syndrome can cause a form of lymphoma, or cancer.

Sjögren’s syndrome is best treated by a rheumatologist, or doctor specializing in rheumatic diseases. You may also regularly visit an ophthalmologist (eye specialist), gynecologist (women’s reproductive specialist) or dentist as part of a healthcare team. Your goal is to manage symptoms through medications, self-care and preventive strategies, and adopt healthy living practices to boost fitness and well-being.

Treatments for Dry Eyes

Eyes affected by Sjögren’s may burn, or feel dry, irritated, red, painful and gritty. Eyes are naturally lubricated by tears, moisture secreted through the tiny ducts on your eyelids. In Sjögren’s syndrome, inflammation of the glands that produce tears interferes with moisture production.

Medications to help boost moisture in the eye include:

• over-the-counter eyedrops that mimic natural tears, widely available in drugstores.

• prescription-only cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion (Restasis), an immunomodulator eyedrop (meaning it triggers the immune processes that create tears naturally) placed in each eye twice a day.

Another strategy for dry eyes is punctal occlusion, minor surgery to plug one of the two tear ducts in each eyelid. The purpose of this treatment is to close one duct so more tears are pooled in the eye, boosting lubrication. An ophthalmologist may either plug the ducts with temporary tiny collagen plugs or long-term silicone plugs. Either may be removed. Some doctors also use laser treatments to permanently seal the ducts.

Self-care and preventive strategies may also improve dry eye symptoms. Increasing indoor humidity with a humidifier or avoiding sitting in front of fans or vents can help decrease dryness. You may also try using goggles outdoors to protect eyes from wind and dust – prescription models are available, or you can pick up an inexpensive pair of safety goggles at the home improvement store. Get regular eye exams as often as your rheumatologist or ophthalmologist recommends, possibly annual or more often, depending on your eye condition. If you notice any pain or redness in your eyes, seek medical attention promptly, as these symptoms may signal and eye infection.

Medications for Dry Mouth

Severe dry mouth in Sjögren’s syndrome results from the body’s inability to produce sufficient amounts of saliva. Not only is the condition uncomfortable and painful, it could also lead to serious dental problems like cavities or infections like gingivitis (gum inflammation).

Strategies to address the dry mouth of Sjögren’s include:

• chewing sugarless gum or hard candies to boost saliva.

• using over-the-counter, artificial saliva drops.

• sipping water or other fluids regularly.

• spraying dry noses with saline spray to discourage the mouth breathing that often accompanies colds or allergies.

• If these remedies aren't effective, your doctor may prescribe oral medications called cholinergic agonists, including pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline (Evoxac). In addition, a prescription product called Numoisyn, available as either a liquid or a lozenge, can mimic saliva and lubricate dry mouths.

It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene if you have Sjögren’s syndrome to prevent serious oral disease, including:

• brushing and flossing teeth daily.

• using fluoride or antimicrobial mouthwash daily.

• visiting the dentist twice a year.

Dryness in Other Areas

If you experience vaginal dryness due to Sjögren’s syndrome, over-the-counter vaginal lubricants, inserts and moisturizers may ease discomfort and make sexual intercourse less painful. Be sure to use only water-soluble vaginal lubricants, not petroleum jelly or other oil-based products that may trap moisture, encourage infections and deteriorate condoms.

To prevent dry skin in other areas of the body, try these strategies:

• bathe or shower using warm, rather than very hot, water.

• avoid soaking your hands in water or cleaning solutions when washing dishes.

• after bathing, pat skin dry softly with a towel, rather than rubbing.

• apply moisturizers or lotions all over the skin just after bathing or swimming.

• use rubber gloves during cleaning chores.

Stronger Medications for Sjögren’s

Some people with Sjögren’s syndrome may need stronger drugs to address their disease, particularly if there are serious systemic symptoms affecting the lungs, kidneys or skin, or if they experience joint pain, rashes, fever or abdominal pain. These drugs are being evaluated for use in Sjögren’s syndrome, and may include:

• hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil),an antimalarial drug.

• corticosteroids, like prednisone, which mimic cortisol, a hormone the body produces to control immune response.

• disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate (Rheumatrex), azathioprine (Imuran), mycophenolate (Cellcept) or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). These drugs stop the disease’s progress by suppressing the immune system response.

• biologic response modifiers (biologics) like rituximab (Rituxan). Biologics are designed to stop the inflammation process at the cellular level.

Boost Overall Health

Since Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease, it's important for people with the disease to boost immune system function and their overall health and fitness. If you have this disease, you should:

• eat a healthy diet of fresh foods low in fat, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

• avoid smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

• exercise regularly, including cardiovascular exercises to keep weight in check and keep the heart healthy.

• Get proper rest and relaxation to manage stress.

Sjögren’s syndrome and its symptoms can be successfully managed with medications and self-care strategies, allowing people with the disease to live normal, active lives. However, even if your symptoms are manageable, it’s important to regularly visit your rheumatologist or other healthcare professionals to ensure that Sjögren’s syndrome isn’t causing more serious health complications. Through medications, self-care strategies, regular monitoring by your doctors, and overall good health practices, life with Sjögren’s syndrome should be active and full.