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Determining the best Sjögrens Syndrome products to use for dry eye, dry mouth, (and other challenges) is such a personal process. We all have varying degrees of challenges and different products work better for some people than others. But asking each other “What are your favorite products” is still one of the most common conversations I have with other patients. You never know when someone has tried something new that works for them and could also work for you!
This post is about the best products that work for me. I have focused mainly on some supplements and items for dryness. Addressing pain and fatigue will be a different post.
Take a look and see if some of these ideas might help you. And if you have tried products that you like even more, please do comment and let us all know about them! I have added Amazon links to this page as an Amazon Associate. This allows me to make a small fee if you purchase the product from my reference and link, without cost to you. I do this to help me with the costs of running SjogrensLife. I hope they help you as much as they help me!
Best Sjögrens Syndrome Products My System
I take prescription medications and occasional NSAIDs to give my system the best fighting chance against inflammation and Sjögrens. The other supplements I take that I believe truly help are:
Omega-3 Fish Oil. I take a lot of fish oil every day; about 5,000 MG. It makes a difference in my inflammation and my eye dryness. I buy the liquid by Nordic Naturals on Amazon that has a slight lemon flavor or Wiley’s Finest on Amazon (also lemon-flavored) because it has 2,150 mg per serving. I pour this in my morning protein shake with a banana and I don’t even know it’s there! To get that much fish oil in pills would be too many big pills a day for me (on top of all of my other meds).
Turmeric. There are some great studies on turmeric as an anti-inflammatory so I use it in cooking and will make a paste to put into my morning shake. I tend to eat about 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon a day. I love Indian food, so I often put it in vegetables, soups, and chicken dishes. You will want to read up on Tumeric and the active ingredient curcumin (try Arthritis.org) to see what dosage may work for you or if you need to be concerned with the potential blood-thinning properties (at high doses).
Probiotics. I take probiotics for my gut every day. I tend to get multi-strain probiotics at high levels since I do have issues with my gut due to Sjögren’s. I’ve been taking Garden of Life Probiotics on Amazon that also has support for the urinary tract. They also have a men’s formal for prostate support. There is discussion and research about the relationship between gut health and mood (such as depression), so I like the idea that I could be doing more for myself than just healing my gut.
Magnesium Fizz Powder. I have this “tea” every night before bedtime. The Magnesium relaxes my muscles, helps me sleep, and aids in constipation or mobility issues the next day. CALM on Amazon is a popular brand but I use Pure Ionic Fizz on Amazon. I think it has a better balance of trace minerals. There are different flavors (or no flavor) and I prefer the orange. There are also formulas with other supplements added! CALM does have an option for individual pouches, and that is very convenient for travel.
Best Sjögrens Syndrome Products My Dry Eyes
Systane Ultra Vials on Amazon. These are the best eye drops for me. I have tried others but I keep coming back to these. Eye drops are so expensive, that I tend not to venture from these.
Systane Ointment on Amazon. The ointment is too thick to use in my eyes and it actually doesn’t feel good. However, I do use it at the corners of my eyes. When I’m having particularly bad eye days, the corners of my eyes get very irritated and the ointment helps (especially in winter).
Warm compresses. These help soothe my eyes at night after a long day of computer work.
Humidifier. I use a humidifier every night and in my office during the day if it’s a particularly dry day. A mini humidifier sits in my car for long drives. This also helps my nose and mouth.
Best Sjögrens Syndrome Products My Dry Mouth
Act Toothpaste and Mouthwash on Amazon for Dry Mouth. I know most people use Biotene, but I really like the Act products better. Lately, the toothpaste has been more difficult to find, but I keep trying. Amazon has options, but it can be more pricey.
Spry Mints on Amazon and Gum. I LOVE the berry mints! This product is used more than most products for me because I often place one inside my cheek during the day and it melts slowly and evenly. I’m not a big gum-chewer, but the Spry gum is pretty good as well.
Xylimelts by Oracoat on Amazon. I use the mint-free version[/easyazon_link] at night and love them. The mint is overwhelming for me. I use two on either side of my mouth (one on top and one on bottom). They can create a bit of thicker saliva so I don’t use them much during the day (more difficult to speak with than the Spry mint), but because they stick to my teeth, they seem safer than sleeping with Spry mints.
Burts Bees “chapstick” or CARMEX at night. These products keep my lips moist and stay put for a decent amount of time.
Monistat Nystatin on Amazon cream. Why you wonder, do I have this under oral care? I often get angular cheilitis at the corners of my mouth and sleeping with some Monistat cream on them helps heal them. I no longer get thrush much since I suck on Xylitol all day, but I do still get angular cheilitis corners of my mouth.
MI Paste Plus. I use this paste at night for extra enamel protection and fluoride. I slick some over my teeth and it sits there all night. It also has some moisturizing benefit. You can get this from an online store called DentaMart or from your dentist. I like the melon and vanilla flavors because they are very mild.
Best Sjögrens Syndrome Products My Dry Nose
AYR nasal gel on Amazon. This gel is the safest to use because it does not have petroleum. But sometimes it does not have the longevity I need and sometimes the slight odor bothers me. But it is the safest choice for a nasal lubricant. I’m sure there are others, but I have not used them. The key is to look for products without petroleum (apparently, we might breathe it into our lungs and cause damage).
Bacitracin. When I need extra lubrication or when I have nasal sores that need some additional help, I will use bacitracin. This kills any issues I’m having and lubricates for longer. An ENT suggested this to me as he was more concerned about infection issues than breathing in petroleum products (for me). You will need to discuss with your ENT or make your own choice.
Best Sjögrens Syndrome Products My Dry Vagina
Monistat Nystatin cream on Amazon. I do use nystatin cream for vaginal yeast infections and sometimes just as a labia moisturizer if I feel like a yeast infection might be oncoming. I now prefer using the cream over the vaginal suppository because there is more relief with the cream due to dryness.
Coconut Oil- Virgin. I love coconut oil for many things! Use the whole coconut oil (not fractionated) as it has better moisturizing properties. I cook with it and will use it as a body lotion, but my favorite use is for a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant. It is a wonderful product to use for comfortable sex. It is also cost-effective and all-natural. I really like Dr. Bronner’s for quality and fair trade practices but Trader Joe’s has a decent product as well (and comes in single packages good for traveling or keeping bedside).
Best Sjögrens Syndrome Products My Dry Skin
I use Alba moisturizing butter for my skin. I love the Kukui Nut on Amazon fragrance, but I know fragrances are an issue for some people. There are many options to help with dry skin and I’m sure you’ve found your favorites!
I hope you have learned about a couple of products or ideas to try for yourself. If you need a comprehensive list of products for supporting Sjogren’s, the Foundation is a great resource. And as I said at the beginning, if you have products you just LOVE, please share them with us!
I have added Amazon links to this page as an Amazon Associate. This allows me to make a small fee if you purchase the product from my reference and link, without cost to you. I do this to help me with the costs of running SjogrensLife. I hope they help you as much as they help me!
I am Claire Wong of Singapore and was diagnosed with Sjogren early last year. I would like to share my experience below:
1) Dry eye – apply eye gel before bed and Alcon tear drop every morning. Message gently closed upper eye lip in circular manner for 1/2 mins each side with wet cotton pad.
2) Dry skin – apply Ego’s QV cream all over body immediately after each shower.
3) Body ache and tiredness – gentle stretching every morning for about 45 mins and morning and evening walk with dog. I attend Qigong classes twice a week. COQ10 enzyme which I recently started on every evening seems to boost my energy level. Also I find some relief in using tennis ball to roll on pain points especially around neck and shoulder.
4) Dry mouth – oil pulling for 15 mins before brushing teeth about thrice a week to ensure good gum and tooth health. Apply lip balm before sleep.
5) General – Takes 3000 mg of Omega 3 and 1000 mg Vitamin C everyday. Will commence taking magnesium to help with body ache and chronic constipation which I have for years.
Lastly, I thank you for sharing so freely on your personal journey, helping me in managing my new life and not feeling so alone.
Warmest Regards
Claire
Thank you for sharing Claire. I forgot to mention the oil pulling with Coconut Oil. That works wonders for me as well.https://sjogrenslife.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-form
Coconut oil also works great as a nasal lubricant for me. Thanks so much for your tips!
In terms of the ACT mouthwash, it used to be that all ACT varieties were alcohol-free, but now many of their products contain alcohol. Make sure to get the alcohol-free varieties, as ones with alcohol can be drying. Also, they have started playing around with the fluoride concentration in the different varieties, so read the labels carefully and get the one with the highest fluoride concentration. I’m a dentist myself, so I read the labels on all oral products very carefully!
Another product I have found that helps with dry mouth are the sugar-free cough drops that contain pectin. The pectin acts as an “oral demulcent” and helps me in terms of moisturizing my mouth. I’ve seen these made by both Hall’s and Ludens. Not always easy to find (can get them on Amazon if not locally available). When I do see them in the drug store, I stock up on a lot. Xylitol lozenges are good in terms of anti-cavity properties, but I don’t find that they helps with my oral dryness that much.
Thanks for the tip Nancy! Yes, ACT makes several formulas so be sure to look for the DRY MOUTH formula and read labels. I have not looked for Pectin in oral lozenges and will now look for sugar-free pectin. I do get dryness relief from xylitol, but will see if Pectin is better.
I could not tolerate fish oil, so I take flaxseed oil. Oasis Tears Plus in vials is the best eye drops (artificial Tears) I have found. They contain hyaluronic acid. Genteal Tears Lubricant Eye Gel at bedtime.
My go-to for dry mouth during the day is “Ice Chips” xylitol candy: https://www.icechipscandy.com/
I also like sugar-free Quench gum: https://www.muellersportsmed.com/sugar-free-quench-gum
And my fave for dry-skin is fragrance free Norwegian Formula hand cream from Neutrogena – super thick, but not greasy. http://www.neutrogena.com/skin/skin-bath/norwegian-formula-hand-cream/6801300XX.html?cgid=skin-bath
Hi…thanks for sharing…yesterday I was diagnose with Sjogren’s. And looking for information…Nancy
HI Nancy, be sure to become a member at sjogrens.org and get all of their information!
I have found autologous eye drops very helpful for dry eye. It is made out my own blood serum so it supplies many nutrients, maybe more from normal tears. Opthalmology figured this out awhile back starting with very serious cornea problems but it has become available now more widely, (your optometrist) (Disclosure: I am a retired on disability from SSJ). Only problem is I pay out of pocket $115 every 6 weeks plus the blood draw $25. If you can afford it and tolerate the frequent blood draw, give it a try!
Sorry, I didn’t add I am a retired disabled optometrist in my post just now.
Hi there so I was diagnoised in 2000. My new thing for dry eyes are sclera lenses. I ended up having to wear glasses but half way threw the day my eyes were red swollen sensitive to light and dry. I work as a nurse and looking like this is terrible everyone thinks I’m tired. So finally I had enough. I was using eye drops every 30 min to try to get threw the day. I found a opthalmologist that fits people with the lenses and they have been a life saver. I don’t worry about putting drops in every minute and no longer squint all day because of the discomfort. You can look them up online and read about them. One pair can last over a year. My mother in law found a cheap insurance plan also to cover the expense.
Traci C
What are these lenses called?
Janet, this is a very helpful list. I am sure I will be referring to it a lot in the future.
I heard you speak earlier this year at the national conference and enjoyed hearing about your journey as well as gleaned a lot of advice I am working on putting into use. Thanks for all you and others at the foundation do.
Thank you for sharing your resources. I have come to find products that I cannot live without also. My favorite lip balm now is Hanalei (found on amazon) with kukui nut. It’s vegan and is so much better than the lanolin product I was using previously. I’m also planning on trying this new product I found on another forum, and thought you and your readers would like to try it as well. It helps moisturize your eyes naturally at night and during the day. This is a must-have since I am currently fighting serious dry eyes that are crippling since it keeps me from being able to drive and work. That product can be found here: https://www.eyeeco.com/our-technology.html. I’ll let you know how it works after I give a try this week. Fingers crossed it’s the miracle I need 🙂
Thanks for posting about EyeEco. I like that company and they do help a number of people!
No problem. Thank you for this product. The last couple of weeks have been awful with the dry eyes and mouth. Hurts to eat and drink certain things and my special contacts are even hard to keep in being so dry. I appreciate anything others may have for tricks. Toothpaste is hard to use at times so I use a prescription one called Prevident.
Thank you
Traci
Hi Traci, my dentist had me on prevident prescription toothpaste for years. Then about 10 years ago he changed it to ctx4 gel 5000 toothpaste. He said it was a lot better than the prevident toothpaste. I do have to buy it directly from his office, not able to get it on Amazon. It’s $18 a tube, but it seems the last forever because I just use such a tiny amount each time I brush. So it’s well worth the cost. I’ve only had one cavity and about the last 15 or 20 years. I brush with baking soda in the mornings and then my prescription toothpaste at night and then don’t drink anything after that. I do use a sugar-free cough drop every night. I just put it in my cheek and it stays there until it dissolves two three hours later, and then I put another one in. I get these from Walmart and they do not promote tooth decay. I’ve used these at night for years. I couldn’t sleep without them. Hope this helps someone. We’re All in This Together. Judy
Thank you I will ask my dentist for this. I seem to have cavities every 6 months even on Prevadent.
Traci
I am also dealing with extremely dry eyes making driving difficult. Have you had any improvement. I also have some abnormal tissue growing in the conjunctiva in my eyes which is going to have to be biopsied. I am so stressed.
Hi Vicki, I’m sorry your stress level is increased. I know that is a common side-effect of having Sjogrens for many patients (including me). My eyes have not improved and, in fact, are a bit worse. I do love my 7-eye glasses and can’t go anywhere without them, but they don’t help improve my eye moisture…just help the increased loss of moisture from the elements. I’ve stepped up to using some gel drops during the day and I hope that helps. I have added longer warm eye compress time at night. Good luck trying new things…it is only with our continued effort to improve that we are able to find products that work best!
I also use Systane eye drops for the dry eye–usually “long lasting.” if available. Vasoline on my lips overnight seems to work about as good as anything for them. I keep water for sipping nearby all the time.
Recently diagnosed with Sjogrens, dry eyes, nose & mouth but I find the fatigue to be the most draining. I wake up every morning feeling like I have the flu, takes several hours to get around for the day.
Hi Cathy, I’m glad you have a diagnosis, but we are all sad you have joined the Sjogrens party…it is definitely the fatigue that gets me most as well. This is why I’m turning back to diet. It really does help me to use food “as medicine” as I get much more energy (albeit, not a normal amount of energy). I hope you find the path that works best for you. I have also found the Sjogrens Foundation to be a great resource and the Smart Patients Sjogrens Group to get support from other patients. http://www.smartpatients.com/conversations
Hello, I have used sugar free cough drops for years. I put one in the side of my mouth when I go to bed. Then, when I wake up 3 or 4 hours later, I put another one in. Just having it in my mouth creates a little saliva, enough so that I can go to sleep. I use Xylomelts during the day and they really help. I order my SF cough drops online from Walmart. Thank you for your post. Judy
I use Blister lip conditioning serum for my dry lips and elbows. It also works great on caluses.k
Which brand is Blister lip conditioning serum and does it contains serum? Christie
Hi Rowena, I don’t think it has real serum and I now can’t find it! So I am on the hunt for a better lip solution. At night, I am reaching for those thicker pertroleum-based products…I don’t like the petroleum, but the thickness and strong barrier help keep my lips moist all night. Please do report back if you find something great!
Hi Vicki, I’ve found that Genteal lubricant eye gel helps me when my eyes are dry they are painful. It’s in a tube and it says for severe dry eyes. It does make my eyes blurry for a few minutes, but if really soothes them like nothing else. I sure hope this helps you. We’re in this together.
Re dry eyes, check out Moisture Release Eyewear from eye Eco:
eyeeco.com
Since your post have you tried any other brands or form of fish oil that you have had good results with? I’m finding it hard to travel with liquid fish oil.
Nordic Naturals is a very high quality brand and comes in capsule form or liquid.
Omega 7 from the fruit (or at least fruit and seed combination) of sea buckthorn has been found to help women wirh sjogren’s with vaginal dryness in a medical study. I’ve also seen reviews under sea buckthorn products from people with sjogren’s saying they helped them with dry eyes and other symptoms. Apparently it moisturizes mucous membranes in general. I’m yet to try it myself.
Just dx’d. Using systane (eyes); ACT, Biotene, frequent dental visits (teeth/gums)….what about scalp and hair- esp product for hair that is colour treated and needs frizz tamed)?; ill try Alba for skin; what about fingernails? Do ears ever feel canal is arid?
Regarding oil pulling: be *very* careful not to inhale oils…sesame in particular. This can cause lipoid pneumonia similar to what’s killing vape users right now. What’s safe ingested or on the skin is NOT safe in the lungs.
That said, these are some great suggestions & I’ll have to look into them. I haven’t been diagnosed but don’t know what else could be responsible for my constellation of symptoms (down to unexplained gastritis which is a potential Sjogren’s symptom). Had tear duct plugs placed 9 years ago but didn’t think anything of it. Funny how doctors never mention that certain severe symptoms might be indicative of a bigger issue…even when you present with several.
Cheers~
Thank you so much for this post! I’m still learning how to cope with these symptoms, and I plan to bookmark your site as a frequent reference. I really can’t thank you enough for sharing what’s helped you.
Love this post and love Janet Church❣️
One request/suggestion please:
Reading is challenge enough in itself, but with the tiny font and faint ink color you have chosen, it makes the valuable information you have to offer almost too much of an effort and strain to read.
What are the chances of increasing the size of the font and using a darker ink?
(Note: Even if I enlarge size of font, ink is so faint that it’s still a strain to read.)
Thanks so much for your consideration!
Hi Marilyn and thank you for your lovely comments! I did darken the color as suggested by a previous reader and I’m sorry to hear it’s still a challenge to see. I will make another attempt at enlarging the font and seeing how that improved readability. Please be patient with the changes while I balance responsibilities! I do appreciate the feedback because I certainly want to make it easy for you all to read!
AYR SALINE NASAL GEL NO DRIP ALSO THE SALINE NASAL GEL WITH ALOE VERA
ALSO TOOTHETTE MOUTH MOISTURIZER SMALL TUBE
Have all those issues, diagnosed with Sjogrens and Rheumatoid Arthritis in my mid twenties. Symptoms have progressed since menopause. Any tips on dry itchy ear canals?
Hi Deborah, Thank you for commenting! I do not have ideas for dry and itchy ear canals….I’ll poke around and see if I can find other patients with recommendations. Take care!
Been diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome since 2013. Ever since have a multitude of issues. Dry eyes, nose, throat, skin, scalp, loss of hair, itchy skin, cold sensitivity, muscle pain, joint pain etc. …. SO all in all i get around 3-4 hours sleep in a day and am tired by the time i enter office. Have also experienced this.. when i wake up in the morn, i can feel my throat trembling and rapid pulse beating against my throat. THis uncomfortable feeling makes me panicky and i lose all interest in lying down.
IN search of a humidifier. hope this makes my life easier.. at least need to increase my sleeping time. Hoping that a HUMIDIFIER helps.
HI Bindu. I’m sorry you are having such a hard time. You mentioned a couple of things I wanted to comment about: 1) your throat trembling/rapid pulse should be discussed with your dr. consider reviewing Dr. Sarah Schafer’s info on dysautonomia https://www.sjogrensadvocate.com/dysauto-conf-review-2020 to see if it “feels familiar”. 2) definitely get a humidifier ASAP! even a cheap drugstore one is better than nothing and can save you until you research the one you really want! 3) For dry mouth at night, if you are not using Xylmelts, you should try it! It gets me through EVERY NIGHt without waking up and needing water. It is a favorite product for many of us and you can learn about it on the product page https://sjogrenslife.com/best-products-for-sjogrens/dry-mouth/ (it is Xylimelts by Oracoat). Good luck!
Hello everyone. I am new to this site but not to all these problems discussed. There are a couple things mentioned I will definitely try. I take prescription Pilocarpine for dry mouth. I don’t know what I would do without it. I take it 2-3 times a day. I can tell when it’s time to take another one. Hope this might be helpful to someone.
Thank you for sharing Shelley! Many of us find pilocarpine or evoxac so helpful, and I’m glad it works for you!