Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.

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nursea49 03/02/2011

I was wondering if anyone else has problems with their nails flaking? Mine peel off in layers at the top of the nail. I have regular manicures which makes them look better. I take fish oil & other supplements. I was wondereing if it might be the methotrexate causing this.
Not a major problem in the big scheme of things but I would be interested to know if other people have this.

mseaton 03/02/2011

I have always had extremely strong and healthy nails but for months now they have been breaking even if they are very short. I don't take methotrexate. I was thinking it might be the driness. My skin is much drier and my hair isn't as healthy as it once was.

dadsgirl1 03/02/2011

Hi. My nails split down the middle and they peel some too... mostly split right down the middle. I never had this problem until around the time I got sick with everthing, so for me, I do think it has to do with my immune system not being what it is supposed to be. I did start taking some Hair, Skin and Nails vitamins and it seemed to help a little, but I still have the problem. I also do not take methotrexate, but do take plaquenil.

Have a nice day!

deleted_user 03/02/2011

Flaking/peeling nails have been a problem for me lately, too. However, i do not take methotrexate or Plaquenil. But we've had an exceptionally dry/cold winter here that has been extremely hard on me.

deleted_user 03/02/2011

I have the same problem with my nails pealing and breaking. My hair is dry and not as healthy as it used to be either. My skin is not so bad but still a little dry I use aveeno lotion couple times daily and I use the gold bond lotion hand sanitizer instead of the alcohol based ones.

deleted_user 03/02/2011

I have this problem and I have not even been diagnosed with Sjogren's yet so I am not on any of the Sjogren's meds. My fingernails look like they have been run through a food chopper! The backs of my hands are so dry they are tough and look like chicken leg skin. They have bled as well.

nursea49 03/02/2011

Thanks for all the feed back. I have to use alcohol cleanser at work so that won't help. My hair has changed as well so it is probably all connected. I use all sorts of creams to help with the dryness.I have found Bio oil to be good.

deleted_user 03/03/2011

My mother had similar problems and even ended up with splits in her finger tips too. Once she started actually using a cuticle moisturizer on her nails and finger tips a couple times a day, everything improved.

At home I use heavy Nitrile gloves to prevent exposure to any cleaning agents or dish water to avoid my dry skin and nails any worse.

deleted_user 03/03/2011

I have always had thin, flaking nails that tend to split at the corners if I let them get longer than the tip of my fingers. Since my mother has the problem and my daughters as well, I assumed it was a hereditary issue. It is possible that I could have had symptoms of Sjogrens or autoimmunity from an early age as well.

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