Have you been tested for Sjogrens? It goes along with RA a lot of times. It attacks your moisture glands. What about dry mouth? Some of it could be from meds too.

I was tested but it was negative. Rummy said it was RA

You might ask your Rummy for a Thyroid Antibody test not just a TSH. Dry brittle hair and dry skin are symptoms. RA and Hashimotos are often autoimmune buddies. My hair and skin got so dry. Skin and eyes still are, but not as bad.

i've noticed that when i have to take anti-inflamms just what you describe.

Yes. My rheumy and eye doc said it is RA. I can no longer wear contacts because of it. I also tested negative for Sjorgens.

Both my mom and I have noticed that we get dry, scaly skin more often w/ RA. I know dry mouth can be caused by a lot of medications, especially prednisone, if you're experiencing that, too. My experience w/ methotrexate is that I get dehydrated much more quickly, so I am constantly drinking water.

Can anyone comment on what exactly the tests are for Sjogren's? And is it possible for the diagnosis to be made on symptoms alone, like for RA where people are seronegative? There have been lots of people who comment on here that their doctors refuse to give them the correct diagnosis because bloodwork is falsely negative, or symptoms do not precisely alone with what is traditionally associated with a disease--could this be a case of the same?

Aquaphor is an extremely moisturizing lotion you could try, and this thread (http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Rheumatoid_Arthritis/forum/18819325-eye-problems) contains a number of suggestions of eye ointments and gels.

I tested neg for sjogrens but had symptoms dry eyes and dry mouth since I started having symptoms of ra. I am seronegative and doc sent me for Mri of hand if that came back negative than she was going to pursue the dx for sjogrens with lip biopsy. The Mri showed erosion so never did do the lip biopsy, but this is a definitive experience if blood test neg.

Occasinoally your environment might matter.

I grew up in the Houston area where it is so humid that one can extract a glass of water from the air!

I currently live in a completely different area and the humidity is regularly extremely low. (desert like).

When it's that dry, if you are using lotion with glycerin in it, it makes you dryer. The glycerin attracts moisture and if there isn't any in the air, it steals it from you, personally.

I use stuff from someone who makes it locally and it works really well!

I am sure the RA doesn't help with issues either. Just wanted to throw out something different.

I have Sjogrens. Very nasty dry eyes. I carry lotion & have it all over the house. Even my sinus cavities burn from dryness.
I'm not sure about DX without blood work. Perhaps eye dr & or dentist since really impacts the mouth & eyes.
Good question though. RA contributing would surprise me.
Not a good feeling that's for sure.
Best of luck, Sammy

Coconut oil is great. I use a homemade version of lotion made from coconut oil, shea butter and almond oil.

Eyes burn constantly. My wife recently asked if I was using medical Marijuana (as I have threatened to do) because my eyes are always red these days. LOL!!

Oh yes, dry as a desert! Particularly my eyes. They are RED and very dry and burning. People are constantly looking at me and asking if I am ok! I did go to the eye Dr. and he said use moisturizing eye drops so I have bottles of that everywhere and use it many times a day. Others on here have recommended this as well. He also said it goes along with the RA. I have also noticed my skin and hair are terribly dry as well. Got a rheumy appt next week and that is on my list to ask about. I have actually found that the P.A. in my docs office is far more patient and helpful than the Dr. himself so I hope this will be a productive visit.

I, too, have the dry eyes. I was told it was connected to the RA...no mention of Sjogrens. I use Restassis AM & PM, eye ointment at night, and drops during the day. Still have days when my eyes burn and feel like there is something in them, and I must wear sunglasses when I'm outside.

My skin is often dry and itchy, as well. RA is the gift that keeps on giving. Wonder what is next.