Problems with itching?

I do itch, but it is one of two things: Either it is dry skin from the Sjogren's, or it is a rash from something. I am not sure if it would specifically be related to Sjogren's though... it is more of a side effect from the initial problem. Do you get a rash with the itching too?

I was diagnosed with Sjogrens 5 years ago and started itching 2 months ago. It started as mild itching in certain spots then it would go away within a hour. Within two weeks I would have what I called a "flare up" when it would start off as mild itching then turn to severe itching with it all over my body. It feels as it's coming from the inside out. However I never had a rash. It was terrible, it would go away within a few hours. The frequency also increased, they started happening everyday. I went to the dermatologist and they didn't have many answers for me. Rheumy suggested I take Zytec over-the- counter to stop it. Which I did, which has worked and I haven't had a episode since, I take it everyday. If I miss a day, I get a "flare up". I did a little more research online apparently severe itching is a side effect of Plaquenil. It's not common but it does happen. I started Plaquenil two months ago so I'm pretty sure that is it.

Good Luck!

Hello Chatreux,

Thank you for the response. The reason I'm going through the Plaquenil is because in addition to Sjogrens I also have RA. After 3 years I've completely stopped responding to Methotraxate in any dose and over the past year I tried 3 other meds with no luck. I'm now on Plaquenil to treat Sjogrens and Xeljanz to treat the RA. Right now I'm 50% better and still improving. I'm 36, too young to have problems with mobility. My doc is working on slowly reducing my Plaqunil dose which is currently at 200mg a day. I'm Hoping to have less of the itchness which is the only side effect I have. I'm at the point now where I need to weigh the benefits with the side effects. It's definitly not the ideal situation. If I can control the itchness with a simple Zytec at this point I'd rather deal with that rather than deal with the mobility and quality of life problems. Thank goodness I have no other side effects and I go every month for my appt and blood work. I'm being closely monitored by my doc as well. Just thought I'd share my experiences with the Plaqunil as a possible cause for itchness. That may be the root cause for someone's itchness.

I haven't been diagnosed with Sgjogren's but diagnosed with Sicca.  I do think I have Sjogren's though based on my symptoms. 

But I wanted to chime in because I do have itching, randonly.  My lastest spots are the tips of my fingers and it was constant for quite awhile, then it went away.  Today I noticed it is coming back.  So strange.  I do believe it has to do with this illness.