When hormonal imbalances occur due to thyroid disease or its treatment, changes in the skin, hair, and nails, such as thyroid rash, are common. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that wraps around the windpipe (trachea) near the collarbone. it generates triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) regulate metabolism, heart rate, and other important functions.
Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) can cause dry and blotchy skin, but it can also cause a life-threatening coma. myxedema. Hyperthyroidism (overactivity of the thyroid gland) can cause changes in the nails, flushed skin, and itching, but it can also cause certain types of myxedema. Thyroid rashes or chronic hives may occur in skin folds or on the neck.
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Types of thyroid rash
A rash is a general term for an inflamed area of skin. This inflammation can take many forms, including redness, swelling, itching, and dryness.
Anterior tibial myxedema
This is a rash that was once the hallmark sign of Graves’ disease, a type of hyperthyroidism. Thanks to early diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease, this rash is now considered a rare condition. It still occurs in up to 4% of cases.
Pretibial myxedema rash, also known as thyroderma, usually occurs on the shins and tops of the feet. It can occur with autoimmune thyroid disease, is most common in patients with Graves’ disease, and often occurs with Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which affects the eyes.
The appearance of this rash can vary, but it usually involves some form of redness or discoloration on the raised areas of the skin, and may take on a texture similar to orange peel (orange peel). In severe cases, the areas of this rash can become very large and grow into nodules, plaques, or elephantiasis-type lesions.
chronic hives
Red, raised, itchy skin can also be a sign of thyroid disease. Chronic hives (hives) occur in about 20% of people diagnosed with autoimmune thyroid disease. They may come and go.
Although a diagnosed thyroid disease may be the cause of hives, the presence of hives may be a sign that you should be tested for thyroid disease. If your hives keep coming back for no apparent reason and are difficult to treat, talk to your health care provider.
Other skin conditions
There are several other skin symptoms associated with thyroid disease. Common hyperthyroidism symptoms that affect the skin include:
Facial flushing Redness of the palms Excessive sweating of the palms and soles The skin is thin, soft, and sometimes shiny
Graves disease (and sometimes thyroid treatment) can cause some people’s skin to become jaundiced (yellow). You may also experience itching and a rash called Henoch-Schönlein purpura, also known as IgA vasculitis.
On the other hand, hypothyroidism usually causes skin symptoms such as:
Including yellowing called spots and discoloration carotenemialimbs cold dry rough skin cracked waxy swollen myxedema
Acrothyroidism occurs in less than 1% of autoimmune thyroid diseases and can cause swelling and clubbing of the fingers, but is usually not painful.
Common symptoms of thyroid disease
Other symptoms of thyroid disease include:
Dull, dry, or brittle hair Thinning eyebrows Thick, brittle nails with visible bumps Curved nails Depression Fatigue Brain fog or difficulty concentrating Swelling of the neck (goiter) Sleep problems Unexplained weight changes Diarrhea or Constipation and other intestinal problems Menstrual changes
The symptoms you experience depend on whether you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and the extent of the imbalance.
What does a thyroid rash look like?
Thyroid rashes can have a variety of appearances, but commonly include swollen, shiny skin that is red or discolored. Depending on the level of thyroid dysfunction, the skin may appear dull, flaky, dry, or rough.
Your health care provider may suspect thyroid disease or an uncontrolled thyroid condition based on the appearance of your skin, but blood tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
diagnosis
Symptoms of thyroid disease can overlap with those of many other illnesses, so your health care provider may use the following to confirm thyroid disease or rule out other problems that may cause the rash: Different types of tests may be performed, such as thyroid function tests.
Doctors may examine the rash and take skin samples to view under a microscope. Ultrasound imaging may be used to view the thyroid. However, blood tests are the only way to definitively diagnose the presence and severity of thyroid disease.
Medications used to treat thyroid disease may also be considered in the diagnosis, as side effects can include itching and rashes.
process
Treatment for thyroid-related skin conditions depends on the underlying cause. Possibilities include:
Steroid and radioiodine therapy for chronic urticaria Treatment of thyrotoxicosis to resolve jaundice New immunotherapy for hypothyroidism
Anterior tibial myxedema can be difficult to treat and there are no official guidelines. Corticosteroid injections are an option, but topical medications and other anti-inflammatory medications may also be helpful.
The most effective treatment for thyroid-related skin diseases is to control the thyroid imbalance. Especially in the case of pretibial myxedema rash, the underlying hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease can be treated by:
Antithyroid drugs Beta blockers Radioactive iodine Surgical or partial resection
Thyroid hormone replacement drugs may be used to treat conditions that affect the skin. Examples of thyroid hormone replacement therapy include:
When should you see a health care provider?
If you have a thyroid disorder, you should receive regular treatment from a health care professional or endocrinologist. Do not try to treat thyroid disease yourself. Delaying or avoiding treatment of thyroid disease can lead to serious complications such as arrhythmia.
summary
There are many skin symptoms that appear with thyroid disease. Changes in color and skin texture that cause hives or rashes are not uncommon with thyroid disease, but certain types, such as pretibial myxedema rash, are less common.
Talk to your health care provider about the symptoms of your rash, especially if you’ve already been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder. Although a rash is a normal symptom of most thyroid disorders, it may also indicate the need for more aggressive treatment. Treating the underlying thyroid disease should improve the rash and avoid more serious complications.