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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Sjogrens and Skin Itching

maizeemae
maizeemae

I was diagnosed with Sjogrens in 2014.  The main itching on my arms are driving me nuts.  They prescribed a steroid for it and it ended up really thinning the skin on my arms.  I have some luck with wiping the area with a unscented baby wipe, then applying like a Benadryl Cream.  When it is extreme Bath and Body has a sugar scrub with Jasmine and Vanilla and that also buys me some time to get through it.  Does anyone else have this or any other ideas.  My arms look horrible from the itching and bleeding. I am at the point with my Sjogrens that I get chemo infusions every 6 months with two doses two weeks apart.  That seems to help me.  Redirects the white blood cells and helps with pain or is it the chemo causing the itching?  Would appreciate any feedback.  Thanks

twinmomab
twinmomab
I get itching on my chest, upper abs, and behind my knees. I can't take steroids b/c they cause major depression in me. I got checked for allergies and came up with nothing. I then realized I was allergic to coconut oil, which was in my soap and lotions. Since I stopped eating or using coconut oil the itching is much better, but I still have it. I use hydrocortisone cream every morning before leaving the house in those spots, and it seems to keep it down until I take a hot shower. I took chemo for a while and I never noticed itching with it, you might check the side effects for the one you are on and just see.

I hope you find something that helps you. I like Bath and Body works too, but I have to watch for coconut oil in the ingredients.

Take care
maizeemae
maizeemae
Thank you so much. Sometimes you think you are nuts when some of the things from Sjogrens pop up. I do get mega steroids due to the fact I am allergic to the chemo drug they give me. They also give me mega doses of Benadryl in the prebag. Will definitely try going without coconut oil.
twinmomab
twinmomab
You're welcome. I sure hope you have more success. It can get very frustrating having all these symptoms. And it's frustrating when doctors want to blame everything on my condition, and then they don't try to find if it could possibly be something else. Good luck.
maizeemae
maizeemae
I have found that to be true. My doctor that was extremely good with Sjogrens has moved to California and the only one else local is retiring in December. Then we will be getting rent a doctor who sign on for I believe a year. That doesn't leave me warm and fuzzy. I really was lucky with the 1st doctor. He really listened. Have a good evening
Tahlamoon
Tahlamoon
I was having terrible itching, twitching and burning skin symptoms. I could not sleep and the itch was really deep; not a dry skin type of itch but an itch that did not get better with scratching. My rheumy put me on Gabapentin for the nerve pain and to help with sleep. Since I started taking it I have not had an itchy twitchy night, it no longer feels like my feet are being ironed with a hot iron. I also feel good and have energy when I wake up. Before the Gabapentin, I could sleep 8, 10, 12 hours and still wake up exhausted. I was diagnosed in 2014 and also take Plaquinel and Meloxicam. I hope that you find some relief.