Caring for women living with Sjögren's syndrome

T his article advises nurses about providing care to women who are living with Sjögren's syndrome. A chronic, autoimmune condition, Sjögren's syndrome affects mostly women and leads to visual, vocal, and vaginal problems related to dryness. A review of the literature indicates that not many women are aware of Sjögren's, and when diagnosed, are not informed about the possibility that they will have the vaginal dryness associated with the condition. Nursing implications include interventions that involve pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods to moisturize women's eyes, mouth, and vagina, increasing the comfort of those with Sjögren's syndrome.