HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suffering From Sjogrens Syndrome. Having Dry Mouth, Swelling Under Ears, Dry Eyes, Lesions. On Medication. Suggestions?

I have Sjogrens Syndrome since age 21 now i am 50. Dry mouth , sometimes swollen glands under ears and in neck only sometimes, chronic dry eyes etc. on Plaquenil 200 mg and 1200 mg Ibeprofen, Citopram 40, Stress pills only 10mg a day now and Micronor 28. Recently last two years it started with sort of a bite or sudden itch , i scratch because it is itchy only a few seconds, then it gets inflammed around the dot, i put Bioderm cream does not help much, it tries to heal, thin scab tissue, does not come off, weeks go by, i try to pick scab off comes off like thin tissue and lesion is raw and sometimes fresh blood seeps out, then process again same until after few months it finally heals leaving sometimes white scars or some brown discoloration scars. It is in my pubic area up to my belly button not inside pubic, arms, elbows, legs, feet, back, bottom of hairline on scalp, behind ears, hands and on hair scalp period. Using a special perscribed hair ointment for scalp that helps only. I have been to see my reumatologist today, a culture was taken. Note: last July one of the spots was not healing, went to emergency, doctor said infected, cut out skin ulcer, found MRSA, given antibiotics saw a nurse for 6 months until finally skin grew over as doctor cut it out, crater size. What is going on I am baffled is this internal connective tissue related to my Sjogrens? Help, Help, Help
Tue, 2 Jul 2013
Report Abuse
Allergist and Immunologist 's  Response
Hello,

Underlying connective tissue disease is a risk factor for vasculitis - that is an inflammation of blood vessels and manifests as itchy skin with bruises.
If the skin lesions are painful (and less itchy), and lasts >24 hours then there is a possibility of vasculitis.

The skin biopsy should have helped with the diagnosis especially if immunostaining for IgG, C3 C4 was done on the sample OR if the possibility of vasculitis was raised to the pathologist.

Blood tests: Complete hemogram, Liver function test, ANA (I suppose you are known to be positive with anti-Ro La antibodies), C3 C4 (if low means your Sjogrens is not controlled or this is a vasculitis) can help with the diagnosis.
You may like to discuss with your doctor in lowering the Ibuprofen dose, and consider treating you for vasculitis.

I hope that was useful.
Best Wishes.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Ibuprofen


Loading Online Doctors....
Suffering From Sjogrens Syndrome. Having Dry Mouth, Swelling Under Ears, Dry Eyes, Lesions. On Medication. Suggestions?

Hello, Underlying connective tissue disease is a risk factor for vasculitis - that is an inflammation of blood vessels and manifests as itchy skin with bruises. If the skin lesions are painful (and less itchy), and lasts 24 hours then there is a possibility of vasculitis. The skin biopsy should have helped with the diagnosis especially if immunostaining for IgG, C3 C4 was done on the sample OR if the possibility of vasculitis was raised to the pathologist. Blood tests: Complete hemogram, Liver function test, ANA (I suppose you are known to be positive with anti-Ro La antibodies), C3 C4 (if low means your Sjogrens is not controlled or this is a vasculitis) can help with the diagnosis. You may like to discuss with your doctor in lowering the Ibuprofen dose, and consider treating you for vasculitis. I hope that was useful. Best Wishes.