Cutaneous manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome.
The major mucous membrane and cutaneous manifestation of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is xerosis. Severe dryness of the eyes, mouth, nasal passage, and vagina produce many annoying symptoms, including photophobia, burning and itching of the eyes, alterations in taste and smell, recurring nonallergic bacterial sinusitis rhinitis, and dysparunia. SS patients frequently complain of dryness of lips and soreness and a burning sensation of the tongue and oral mucosa. SS patients also complain of dryness of their hair and note a decrease in luster, and severe dryness of the skin is frequently accompanied by pruritus.
Provost
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Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.
Watson
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D006801:Humans; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology