Sjögren's syndrome is a disease that causes dry eyes and dry mouth. The following steps and treatments can be very helpful in relieving your symptoms and improving the quality of your life. Also, getting plenty of rest, eating well, and doing mild exercise daily play an important role in successful home treatment of this condition.

Eyes

• Use artificial teardrops throughout the day. Artificial tears come in different formulas, so if one type does not help, try another. Try to use preservative-free drops, which are less irritating to the eyes. Artificial tears are available in single-dose packets, which help to avoid bacterial contamination.
• Use lubricating ointments at night. Lubricants are thicker and last longer, so there is less burning, dryness, and itching when you wake up in the morning. Be aware that nighttime lubricants may temporarily blur your vision.
• Protect your eyes from wind, breeze, and drafts.
• Avoid smoke.
• Keep eye makeup away from your eyes.
• Use wraparound sunglasses to better protect your eyes from the sun and grit.

Mouth

• Drink fluids throughout the day to keep your mouth moist. Keep water by your bedside at night. However, be aware that drinking large amounts of water does not reduce mouth dryness and causes excessive urination during the night. Try drinking small sips of water and rinsing your mouth frequently.
• Use artificial saliva substitutes (mouthwash or spray), which coat the mouth.
• Brush your teeth twice a day and after meals with fluoride toothpaste, and floss your teeth every day.
• Make frequent visits to the dentist to prevent and treat tooth decay.
• Use antiyeast medications to treat thrush, a yeast infection that develops in the mouth.
• Use sugar-free gum or candies such as lemon drops that naturally stimulate saliva production. (Sugar can increase your risk for cavities and yeast infections.)

Skin

• Use moisturizing skin creams or ointments throughout the day.
• Use only moisturizing soaps while bathing. After bathing, replenish the moisture in your skin by applying skin creams or ointments.
• Your skin may be extra-sensitive to the sun. Cover your skin when outside, and use SPF 15 or stronger sunscreen. For more information, see the Prevention section of the topic Sunburn.

Respiratory tract

• Place a humidifier (and an air purifier, if you feel it helps) in your home and at work to increase your comfort.
• Use nasal spray made of water and salt to alleviate a dry nose and nasal congestion.

Vagina

It is common for women with Sjögren's syndrome to experience vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Vaginal moisturizing products help to replenish natural moisture and relieve discomfort. These products include:

• Replens, a nonhormonal vaginal moisturizer that lasts for hours or even days.
• K-Y Silk-e.
• Vagisil Personal Moisturizer.

Vaginal lubricants can make intercourse more comfortable for you by relieving the friction you might experience if you have vaginal dryness. However, vaginal lubricants do not add moisture to the vagina and are not useful for everyday moisturizing. Look for a water-based lubricant instead of an oil-based lubricant, which can interfere with the vagina's natural cleansing process. Vaginal lubricants include:

• Astroglide.
• Wet Lubricant Gel.
• K-Y Jelly.
• Maxilube.
• Surgilube.

Stomach

• Take a nonprescription antacid or acid reducer, such as Pepcid AC or Zantac 75, when needed, to reduce heartburn.
• Raise the head of your bed 6 inches to reduce the backflow (reflux) of stomach acid into your esophagus when you sleep.
• See your health professional if you have heartburn or reflux that does not respond to self-care.

Energy (reducing fatigue)

• Listen to your body. Alternate rest with exercise. Gradually doing more exercise may help lower your fatigue.
• Limit medications that might contribute to fatigue, such as those used to treat anxiety, colds, or pain. However, do not stop or change your medication usage before talking with your health professional.
• Don't skip meals, especially breakfast. Improving your diet may increase your energy level.
• Reduce your use of caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, which tend to contribute to fatigue.
• Cut back on watching television, and instead spend time with friends, try new activities, or travel to break the fatigue cycle.
• Get a good night's sleep. This may significantly reduce fatigue.