Yes, Sjögren's syndrome very commonly causes dry, itchy skin (pruritus) because the autoimmune attack affects moisture-producing glands, leading to dryness and irritation, sometimes accompanied by rashes or sensitivity, especially with sun exposure. Management involves consistent moisturizing, gentle skin care, avoiding irritants, and sometimes prescription treatments for more severe skin issues like rashes or vasculitis.
Interestingly, itch may be the presenting symptom in patients with SS (3). One previous study on p-SS revealed an itch prevalence of 42% (2). We found a similar prevalence with 53% of our subjects reporting to suffer from chronic itch. Itch intensity in p-SS is higher when compared to other rheumatologic disorders (8).
The main symptoms are dry eyes and mouth, but other parts of the body may be affected as well, with many people reporting fatigue and joint and muscle pain. In addition, the disease can damage the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. Sjögren's disease predominantly affects women.
Skin and Sjögren's Disease
Immunosuppressive agents (methotrexate, cyclosporine) may improve the symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome, although they do not alter the decreased lacrimal and salivary flow rates or the histologic markers of the disease.
Methotrexate may cause a decrease in the number of blood cells made by your bone marrow. This may cause certain symptoms and may increase the risk that you will develop bleeding or a serious infection, including fungal, bacterial, or viral infections that spread through the body.
Drag moisture into your skin by using products that contain chemicals such as urea, glycerin, lactic or similar “metabolic” or alpha-hydroxy acids, such as AmLactin® cream or Carmol® and Cerave (a dermatologist recommended body cream specifically for severely dry skin).
Psoriasis is one of the most well-known autoimmune skin disorders. It causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, leading to thick, scaly patches that can be itchy and painful. These patches, often called plaques, are commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of Sjögren's disease. Multiple joints are painful, usually episodically with periods of joint pain, known as “flares”, followed by periods of little or no joint pain. Tenderness and swelling of the joints, when present, are indicative of inflammatory arthritis.
A variety of interventions using natural products may provide therapeutic benefits in Sjögren syndrome. These integrative treatment options, such as omega-3 fatty acids, lactoferrin, maqui berry extract, and white peony extract, have been shown to improve symptoms and reduce inflammation and autoimmunity.
A number of other conditions have been linked to Sjögren's syndrome, including: peripheral neuropathy – a condition that often involves loss of sensation in the hands and feet. Raynaud's phenomenon – restricted blood flow to the hands, which can cause them to feel cold, numb and painful.
SARS-CoV-2 may trigger the development or progression of autoimmune diseases, as evidenced by increased autoantibodies in patients and the presentation of cardinal symptoms of SjD.
Scientists aren't certain why some people develop Sjogren's syndrome. Certain genes put people at higher risk of the disorder, but it appears that a triggering mechanism — such as infection with a particular virus or strain of bacteria — is also necessary.
Doctors typically use steroids to treat flare-ups, when symptoms such as joint pain and rashes come on suddenly. Steroids such as prednisone or methylprednisolone are taken by mouth, and your doctor determines the dosage based on the severity of your symptoms.
These rashes can appear as raised bumps, scaly patches, or blisters. Sensitivity to touch. Touching the affected area may elicit tenderness or discomfort. Spreading or changing shape.
Sjögren syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease most commonly characterized by sicca symptoms—dry eyes and dry mouth—resulting from immune-mediated inflammation of the lacrimal and salivary glands.
Sjögren syndrome is a chronic systemic rheumatic disease that is characterized by excessive dryness of the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. White blood cells damage glands that make moisture, and sometimes other organs can be damaged. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the hallmark symptoms of this syndrome.
Nipocalimab is the first and only investigational therapy granted U.S. FDA breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of adults living with moderate-to-severe Sjögren's disease [news release]. Johnson & Johnson. 2024 Nov 11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act ().
Avoid over-the-counter medicines that can cause dryness. These include antihistamines, such as Benadryl.
Other symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome can include: dry skin that may be itchy.
Itching on the whole body might be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems and certain cancers. Nerve disorders. Examples include multiple sclerosis, pinched nerves and shingles (herpes zoster).
Treatments for autoimmune skin disease
Care focuses on reducing inflammation and calming the overactive immune response that targets the skin. Treatment options may include topical steroid creams, oral steroids, immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medications, laser therapy, or injectable biologics.
Nutritional management of Sjögren's symptoms is not well studied, however, there is evidence that in- creased intake of antioxidants like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E can have a positive effect on salivary output, dry eye, and inflammation.
For temporary relief of itching, try these self-care measures:
The skin rashes associated with Sjögren's Syndrome can occur on different areas of the body, but they are commonly found on the face, neck, arms, and legs. These rashes can present as red, itchy patches or raised bumps on the skin.