Sjögren's syndrome most commonly develops in middle-aged adults, with symptoms often beginning between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can occur at any age. The average age for diagnosis is often in the late 40s to early 50s, but it's frequently diagnosed in people over 40, with many patients falling in the 40-69 age range at diagnosis.
The two main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are:
In some people, Sjögren's is associated with skin rashes. These first appear most often as areas of dark blotches on the legs and feet that grow together.
There may be times when your symptoms get worse (flare-ups) and times when they're better (remission). It's not known exactly why this happens, but it's thought that certain things, such as overdoing it and not resting enough, may trigger your symptoms or make them worse.
While many patients experience dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain, Sjögren's can also cause dysfunction of organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system.
While both lupus and Sjogren's syndrome can cause more severe systemic involvement, people with Sjogren's usually have a better prognosis than those with lupus. Generally, people with Sjogren's syndrome have a less severe disease process than those with lupus, but there are exceptions.
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.
Scientists don't know exactly what causes Sjögren's syndrome, but their research suggests it's an abnormal reaction of the body's immune system.
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 ().
Start with five minutes of aerobic exercise daily (e.g. walking, biking, running, elliptical, treadmill) and increase the duration by an additional two-to-three minutes each month up to a maximum of 25 minutes daily. If you have a heart or lung condition, consult your doctor first.
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).
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.
You might think of dry eyes or a parched mouth, but there are other subtle signs of Sjogren's disease (formerly syndrome) you may be ignoring. A hoarse voice. Itchy eyes. Wanting to crawl back into bed in the morning because you're still tired.
Specific Tests for Sjögren's Syndrome
Your doctor may recommend some or all of the following tests: Blood and urine tests, to look for the presence of antibodies common in Sjögren's syndrome. The results of an ANA (antinuclear antibody) test will determine if you have an autoimmune disorder.
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.
Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops
For severe dry eye syndrome, your ophthalmologist may prescribe cyclosporine eye drops twice a day. Commonly known as Restasis®, these drops decrease inflammation in the lacrimal glands, which produce tears, and can be used long term.
Nipocalimab is the only investigational treatment to be granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for SjD (November 2024). It also received Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA earlier this year in April 2025.
It has been reported that more than 400 drugs can exacerbate the dryness symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, including antihypertensives, diuretics, antidepressants, antiparkinson drugs, antipsychotics, antihistamines, centrally acting analgesics, and anticholinergics [6], [13], [14], [15].
Keep Your Eyes Moist
Regardless of the type of contacts you wear, avoid keeping them in your eyes for too long, and don't wear them overnight. You can talk to your ophthalmologist about when to take them out to avoid eye injury. Also, try alternating between contact lenses and glasses to prevent dryness.
Viral infections that can trigger secondary Sjögren's syndrome include: Hepatitis C. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Epstein-Barr virus.
Several celebrities have continued their careers while raising awareness for Sjogren's syndrome, including tennis champion Venus Williams, Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba, musician Solange Knowles, and artist Halsey, who openly discuss their experiences with this condition, helping to reduce stigma and ...
Assessments by a rheumatologist, ophthalmologist, and a dentist or oral medicine specialist are usually needed to identify key elements of the disease. These may include an inadequate tear film, decreased saliva production, salivary gland inflammation, and an underlying systemic autoimmune process.
Your parotid (mumps) glands may slowly, but painlessly swell due to blocked saliva ducts.
The primary form of Sjögren's syndrome occurs by itself, without the presence of other autoimmune diseases. Secondary Sjögren's syndrome happens in combination with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, or polymyositis.
If scaly, dry skin is present, utilizing moisturizers with lactic acid, urea, or salicylic acid can be used. Examples include: AmLactin®, CeraVe® SA, and Eucerin® Roughness Relief.