Treatment - Sjögren's syndrome

There's no cure for Sjögren's syndrome at the moment, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms.

Treatments for dry eyes

Things you can do

If you have dry eyes, it can help to:

• avoid dry, smoky or windy places – you could also try using a humidifier at home or at work to keep the air moist
• avoid spending a long time reading, watching TV or looking at screens, as this can make your eyes dry
• wear wraparound sunglasses or glasses with sides that help stop wind from drying your eyes
• clean your eyelids regularly 
• have regular check-ups with an optician
• avoid medicines that can cause dry eyes – check the leaflet that comes with a medicine to see if dry eyes is listed as a side effect

Eye drops and ointments

You can also try eye drops and ointments that help keep your eyes wet, sometimes known as artificial tears.

There are several different types of drops that can be bought from pharmacies without a prescription. You may need to try a few types to find one that works for you.

If you use eye drops more than 3 times a day, avoid drops that contain preservatives, as these can damage your eyes if they're used frequently.

If the surface of your eye is irritated (inflamed), your doctor may prescribe drops containing a steroid to use for a short period.

Sometimes other anti-inflammatory drops, such as ciclosporin drops, may be prescribed by an eye specialist.

Medicines and procedures

If self-help measures and eye drops are not helping, your doctor may recommend:

• a medicine called pilocarpine – tablets that help the body produce more tears and saliva
• a procedure to block the tear ducts with tiny man-made plugs to stop tears draining away – this can help keep your eyes covered with a layer of tears, so they do not feel as dry

Treatments for a dry mouth

Things you can do

If you have a dry mouth, it can help to:

• practise good oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day
• avoid sugary food and drinks, and avoid snacking between meals
• use antibacterial mouthwash
• drink plenty of water
• regularly chew sugar-free chewing gum or suck on ice cubes
• use lip balm if your lips are dry and cracked
• avoid alcohol – read our tips for cutting down on alcohol
• stop smoking, if you smoke
• have a dental check-up at least every 6 months
• avoid medicines that can cause a dry mouth – check the leaflet that comes with a medicine to see if dry mouth is listed as a side effect

Saliva substitutes

There are also products you can buy from pharmacies that may help to keep your mouth moist, known as saliva substitutes.

There are several different types available, including sprays, lozenges (medicated sweets) and gels. You may need to try a few types to find one that works for you.

But these products do not help prevent mouth infections in the same way that saliva does, so it's still important to practise good oral hygiene.

Medicines

The medicine pilocarpine can be used to treat a dry mouth and eyes. It comes as tablets that help your body produce more saliva and tears.

But it is not suitable for everyone and can cause some side effects, such as sweating, headaches, and needing to pee more often than usual.

If your doctor recommends pilocarpine, talk to them about the benefits and risks of taking it.

Treatments for other common symptoms

Dry skin

If you have dry skin, it may help to use a moisturising cream (emollient) every day.

It's best to not use strong, perfumed soaps. Use emollient soap substitutes instead.

Read more about emollients and soap substitutes.

Vaginal dryness

Treatments for vaginal dryness include:

• lubricants – liquids or gels you put inside your vagina just before having sex for immediate relief from dryness
• moisturisers – creams you put inside your vagina to keep it moist for a few days
• hormone treatments – such as oestrogen medicine you put inside your vagina, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Muscle and joint pain or stiffness

If you have pain or stiffness in your joints or muscles, it can help to:

• exercise regularly – a mixture of aerobic exercises (such as cycling) and strength and flexibility exercises may be helpful; a physiotherapist can recommend a suitable exercise plan
• take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) painkillers, such as ibuprofen – your GP may prescribe stronger painkillers if these do not work
• lose weight if you're overweight

A medicine called hydroxychloroquine is sometimes recommended by Sjögren's syndrome specialists as a treatment for joint pain or stiffness if other methods have not helped.

But it is not suitable for everyone and can take several months to work. It can also cause side effects such as tummy pain and feeling sick.