Sjogren's Syndrome and Brittle Nails

I'm right there with you, Annie. My goodness. 

Annie asked this great question recently:

I am having problems with my nails lately which I've never had before and I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered this problem with sjogren's or any AI? I have extremely brittle, cracked, peeling nails that are not getting better regardless of the fact I take mult vitamins, zinc, vit C, evening pimrose oil, magnesium and calcium and now take silica for nails. I also use an espensive cream for nails, all useless. My family doctor has sent me for bloods to check for thyroid, anemia and other? and is sending me to a dermatologist. Other than that, is there something in our illness that could be happening that you've heard of or experienced?

Annie, the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation Patient Education Sheet offers these suggestions regarding problems with nails:

Tips for Brittle Nails

The SSF thanks Adam I. Rubin, MD for authoring this Patient Education Sheet. Dr. Rubin is Director of the Nail Practice and Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Perleman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Brittle nails are characterized by hardness, peeling, crumbling, fissures, excess longitudinal ridges or lack of flexibility of the finger and toe nails. This sometimes causes pain and interferes with normal daily activities. Although no clear association between Sjogren's and nail disorders has been reported, Sjögren's patients frequently complain of this problem. Many different dermatologic conditions including some autoimmune disorders, infections, dryness and certain medications can affect the nails. Here’s what you can do to help:

• Keep the nails short. This prevents the nails from catching on things or acting as a lever and causing further damage.
• Avoid biting the nails, pulling on them or other tasks that cause repeated trauma.
• Avoid excess contact with water or chemicals (including nail polish remover) which can cause dryness.
• Protect the nails when performing wet work by using rubber gloves and cotton glove liners.
• Avoid excess hand washing and exposure of nails to water.
• Use moisturizer on your nails multiple times per day and reapply the moisturizer after your hands come in contact with water. You can use the same moisturizer used for your dry skin.
• Steer clear of cosmetic products such as artificial nails and nail wraps which can cause damage.
• Avoid nail polish and hardeners. However, if used, leave on as long as possible to help retain moisture. After removing polish, moisturize the nails and give them a break from cosmetic products before re-application.
• If your dermatologist approves, try a course of biotin if you have brittle nails.
• If you're diagnosed with a fungal infection of your nails, your dermatologist can discuss a variety of treatment options which are available.

For more information on Sjögren’s syndrome, visit the SSF Web site at www.sjogrens.org, call 1-800-475-6473, email ssf@sjogrens.org or write to the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation, 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 325, Bethesda, MD 20817.

Clinicians: Please make multiple copies of this Patient Education Sheet and distribute to your patients.