Dry eye syndrome: causes, symptoms, and natural solutions

Sjogren's syndrome (or sicca syndrome) is a set of symptoms and clinical manifestations resulting from a decrease in secretions from the body's various mucous membranes.

The primary symptoms are dry mouth and dry eyes, but other organs can also be affected (skin, vagina, etc.). Unfortunately, sicca syndromes are still poorly understood by the general public. It is known that they most often occur around age 50 (with women being most affected), but they can also occur earlier, around age 20 or 30.

However, it is important to clarify that these symptoms can be temporary and may not be a sign of a disease. Indeed, the pathological nature of a sicca syndrome is defined by its persistence over time.

What are the main symptoms of sicca syndrome?

Dryness of the skin and mucous membranes is often at the forefront of the manifestations of sicca syndrome.

• Dryness of the oral mucosa:

Dry mouth is manifested by a decrease in saliva secretion. The mouth becomes dry and pasty, sometimes hindering speech and the swallowing of dry food. Affected individuals often have a frequent urge to drink (even at night) in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.

• Dry eyes:

Dry eyes are characterized by a decrease in tear secretion, which causes a sensation of a foreign body or sand in the eyes, ophthalmic burning, light sensitivity, or discomfort after prolonged computer screen use. It can lead to eye irritation, known as "keratoconjunctivitis," which manifests like conjunctivitis.

• Vaginal dryness:

We speak of vaginal dryness when the vagina suffers from a lack of hydration. This can result in itching and sensations of burning or tearing during sexual intercourse. It does not only affect women after menopause (even if they are more prone to it), as about 20% of women aged 18 to 39 also suffer from it.

• Skin/epidermal dryness:

Sicca syndrome can also manifest as dry skin. It can result in irritated, scaly skin accompanied by itching, redness, etc.

What are the main causes of sicca syndrome?

The causes of sicca syndrome can be very diverse, including stress, menopause, Sjogren's syndrome, etc. If you think you are suffering from a sicca syndrome, it is important to have a check-up with a healthcare professional/naturopathic doctor to identify the possible causes and find effective solutions.

• Medications:

This is one of the main causes of sicca syndrome. In fact, over 400 pharmaceutical products have been identified as causing sicca syndromes. Among the medications that can have a significant effect on tear and salivary secretions are atropine, morphine, and certain antidepressants and anti-Parkinson's drugs. Also included are analgesics, antidiarrheals, cardiac antiarrhythmics, neuroleptics, diuretics, and anti-acne drugs.

Regardless of their nature, the number of medications consumed daily is very often linked to the existence of a sicca syndrome.

• Systemic diseases:

Sicca syndrome can also be a symptom of a systemic disease (i.e., one that affects multiple organs), such as decompensated diabetes, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, or Sjogren's syndrome.

• Physiological causes:

Aging causes a sicca syndrome that is usually moderate. Menopause is primarily responsible for vaginal dryness, which affects nearly 50% of women between 50 and 60 years old.

• Psychological causes:

Stress, anxiety, and depression can also be responsible for a sicca syndrome. In some cases, sicca syndrome can even be a psychosomatic manifestation of a chronic anxiety-depressive state.

Sea Buckthorn: a natural and effective remedy thanks to Omega-7

Currently, there is unfortunately no curative treatment, but it is possible to achieve lasting relief from symptoms, particularly thanks to Omega-7.

Indeed, Omega-7 plays a major role in the hydration of the skin and mucous membranes, but it is synthesized by our body in very small quantities. Unfortunately, this production does not cover all our daily needs. It reaches its peak in adolescence and decreases with age.

At Biokhaan, we have developed a treatment based on sea buckthorn oil (the only berry to provide high levels of Omega 3, 6, 9, and especially 7) to effectively relieve these discomforts. Sea buckthorn is widely recognized in the field of pharmacopoeia for its healing properties, both for the skin and for skin hydration.

For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to take one sea buckthorn oil capsule with each meal: morning, noon, and evening.