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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffMany symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome respond well to self-care measures.
Dry eyes
- Use artificial tears and eyedrops. These can relieve the discomfort of dry eyes. Artificial tears and eyedrops are available by prescription or over-the-counter. Thicker drops are available that you don't have to apply as often as other drops, but they may cause visual blurring and collect along your eyelashes.
- Increase humidity. Increasing the indoor humidity or protecting yourself in windy environments may help you reduce dryness. For example, avoid sitting in front of a fan or air-conditioning vent. You may also want to use goggles or protective eyewear when you go outdoors.
Dry mouth
- Increase your fluid intake. Drinking lots of fluids, particularly water, helps to reduce dry mouth.
- Stimulate saliva flow. Sugarless gum or hard candies can boost saliva flow. Because the risk of dental cavities increases with Sjogren's syndrome, reduce your overall sugar intake, especially between meals. Lemon juice in water can also help stimulate saliva flow.
- Try artificial saliva. Saliva replacement products often work better than plain water because they contain a lubricant that helps your mouth stay moist longer. These products may come as a spray or lozenge.
- Use nasal saline sprays. Nasal saline sprays can help moisturize dry nasal passages and may help relieve a dry mouth because a dry nose can increase mouth breathing.
Oral health
Dry mouth increases your risk of dental cavities and tooth loss. The following precautions may help prevent those types of problems.
- Brush your teeth and floss after every meal.
- Schedule regular dental appointments, at least every six months.
- Use daily topical fluoride treatments and antimicrobial mouthwashes.
Other areas of dryness
If dry skin is a problem, avoid using very hot water to wash and avoid soaking your hands in water or cleaning solutions. Pat your skin — don't rub — with a towel and apply moisturizers when your skin is still damp. Use rubber gloves when doing dishes or housecleaning. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants help women who experience vaginal dryness.
- Questions and answers about Sjogren's syndrome. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sjogrens_Syndrome/sjogrens_syndrome_qa.pdf. Accessed May 15, 2009.
- Kruszka P, et al. Diagnosis and management of Sjogren syndrome. American Family Physician. 2009;79:465.
- Naguwa S, et al. Sjogren's syndrome. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/137554062-3/841563606/1492/1035.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50294-9_13050. Accessed May 15, 2009.
- Sjogren's syndrome. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/diseases_and_conditions/sjogrens.asp. Accessed May 15, 2009.
- Fox R, et al. Treatment of Sjogren's syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Chang-Miller A (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 1, 2009.
