Many People With Sjogren's Have Dry Skin
Some experience only itching, but it can be severe. Others develop cracked, split skin that can easily become infected. Infection is a risk for people with itchy skin, particularly if they scratch vigorously. The skin may darken in infected areas, but it returns to normal when the infection clears up and the scratching stops.
Tips
To treat dry skin, apply heavy moisturizing creams and ointments several times a day to trap moisture in the skin. Lotions, which are lighter than creams and ointments, are not recommended because they evaporate quickly and can contribute to dry skin.
Doctors also suggest that you:
If you take baths, it is good to soak for 10-15 minutes to give your skin time to absorb moisture. Using a humidifier in the bedroom can help hydrate your skin. If these steps do not help the itching, your doctor may recommend that you use a skin cream or ointment containing steroids.
Sun Sensitive
Some who have Sjogren's, particularly those who also have lupus, are sensitive to sunlight and can get painful burns from even a little sun exposure, such as through a window. If you are sensitive to sunlight, you should wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) when you go outdoors and try to avoid being in the sun for long periods of time.
Source: Q & A About Sjogren's Syndrome, NIAMS, Jan. 2001
