What are the symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome (SS)?

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From the Guidelines

Sjögren's syndrome is characterized by symptoms of dry eye and dry mouth, as well as systemic immune dysfunction, which can lead to a range of symptoms including arthralgia, myalgia, fatigue, and potentially life-threatening conditions such as lymphoma. The symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome can vary widely, but common symptoms include dryness of the eyes and mouth, as well as fatigue, joint pain, and swelling 1.

Key Symptoms

  • Dry eye and dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Systemic immune dysfunction

According to the latest classification criteria, Sjögren's syndrome is defined as dry eye and dry mouth associated with systemic immune dysfunction, and can be diagnosed based on a combination of clinical and laboratory findings, including anti-SSA/Ro antibody positivity and focal lymphocytic sialadenitis 1.

Diagnosis and Management

  • Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical and laboratory findings
  • Management involves a multidisciplinary approach, including rheumatologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists
  • Treatment options may include corticosteroids, immunomodulatory agents, and antifibrotic therapy, depending on the severity and progression of the disease 1.

It is essential to note that Sjögren's syndrome can be associated with other systemic conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune thyroiditis, and lymphoma, and patients should be comanaged with a rheumatologist to monitor for these potential complications 1.

Associated Conditions

  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Lymphoma

In summary, Sjögren's syndrome is a complex and multifaceted condition that requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management, and patients should be closely monitored for potential complications and comorbidities 1.

From the Research

Symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome

There are no research papers to assist in answering this question, as the provided studies focus on various skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and pruritic papular eruption, but do not mention Sjögren's syndrome.

Related Skin Conditions

Some of the studies discuss the symptoms of other skin conditions, including:

  • Atopic dermatitis, characterized by xerosis, pruritus, and rash 2, 3
  • Seborrheic dermatitis, characterized by greasy, yellow scales on the scalp or face 2
  • Allergic contact dermatitis, characterized by edema, lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, and basophils 4, 5
  • Pruritic papular eruption, characterized by itching papules on the extremities, face, and trunk 6

Treatment Options

The studies discuss various treatment options for these skin conditions, including:

  • Topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors for atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis 2, 4, 5
  • Emollients, antihistamines, and systemic corticosteroids for allergic contact dermatitis and pruritic papular eruption 4, 5, 6
  • Narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy for pruritic papular eruption 6

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Mechanisms involved in allergic contact dermatitis.

The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 1990

Research

Contact Dermatitis: Classifications and Management.

Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology, 2021

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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