Thyroid pioneer Dr. Broda Barnes wrote, “When thyroid function is low, circulation is reduced. In advanced cases of hypothyroidism, the skin, in fact, may receive as little as one-fourth to one-fifth the normal blood supply.”
I suspect I had undiagnosed hypothyroidism for most of my life. From a very young age skin conditions including dry itchy skin, itchy flaky scalp, dry frizzy hair, dry cracked heels, loss of the outer third of eyebrows, brittle nails, loss of eyelashes, pale colorless skin, and chronic eczema have been a constant in my life. I went through a period of rapid hair loss that devastated me so much that I spent over one year researching the causes of hair loss to save my own hair. Thankfully with optimal thyroid treatment many of my skin issues have improved.
I wonder just how many people with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are struggling with skin-related conditions. Do they know these skin issues may be a sign their thyroid condition is not optimally treated?
Written by Dr. Amanda Oakley
Skin problems can be significant in patients with thyroid disease. Not surprisingly, the signs of an underactive thyroid are quite different from those of an overactive thyroid.
Hypothyroidism
Whatever its cause— iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease, treatment of hyperthyroidism or medications—the skin signs of inadequate thyroid hormone are similar.
The signs are rather non-specific, often subtle, and easily confused with other conditions or normality. In advanced hypothyroidism, the following symptoms may lead to a visit to the doctor and thyroid hormone testing.
- Intolerance of cold conditions – needing to wear more clothing than previously
- Dry skin
- Dry, brittle, thinning hair
- Dry, brittle, ridged or split nails
Dry Skin
Copyright Waikato DHB and DermNet NZ (with permission)
Skin examination may reveal:
- Cool, dry or waxy skin
- Facial puffiness, especially eyelids
- Thickened skin of lower legs with a pale or yellowish appearance
- Thinned scalp, eyebrow, armpit and pubic hair that is coarse and dry
- Dry, ridged or split nails
Skin swelling is myxoedema, due to the deposition of sugars called glucosaminoglycans.
Vitiligo
Copyright Waikato DHB and DermNet NZ (with permission)
The thyroid autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is associated with other autoimmune diseases, including vitiligo (white patches of skin) and alopecia areata (hair loss in which there are round bald patches).
Alopecia Areata
Copyright Waikato DHB and DermNet NZ (with permission)
With thyroid hormone replacement, the symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism gradually return to normal. Some patients may continue to have mildly dry skin even when blood tests indicate their thyroid hormone levels are optimal.
Thyroid hormone replacement should be undertaken gradually to avoid complications of treatment such as excessive flushing, sweating, and paradoxically, further hair loss. Hypersensitivity reactions are rare, but can include rash.
Hyperthyroidism
Excessive thyroid hormone leads to an increase in basal metabolic rate—body functions go faster than normal. For the skin, this often leads to:
- Intolerance of hot conditions – needing to wear less clothing than previously
- Increased perspiration and warm, moist skin, which can lead to sweat rashes in skin folds
- Increased hair shedding
- Rapidly growing nails that may lift off the nail bed (this is called onycholysis)
Graves’ disease is an autoaimmune disease often recognized by protruding eyes. About 2% of patients with Graves’ disease develop pretibial myxoedema. This often arises at sites of previous injury. It occurs more often in females than in males, and more often in patients over the age of 50 years than in younger people.
Signs of pretibial myxoedema are:
- Red or brownish, thickened plaques with non-pitting oedema
- Prominent hair follicles “like the skin of an orange”
- Warty surface, increased hair and increased sweating
- Distribution is usually on the shins, but sides and back of lower legs, thighs, arms and other sites may be involved
Pretibial myxoedema
Copyright Waikato DHB and DermNet NZ (with permission)
Pretibial myxoedema can be itchy or painful and can persist after successful return of thyroid hormone status to normal levels.
As with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease is associated with other autoimmune diseases, including vitiligo (white patches of skin) and alopecia areata (hair loss in which there are round bald patches).
Treatment of hyperthyroidism is often with carbimazole or propylthiouracil. These occasionally cause an itchy rash, which is usually mild. Rarely, hypersensitivity vasculitis arises, which can present with purple non-blanching bumps (palpable purpura) on the lower legs and feet. Palpable purpura should be urgently investigated and the drug should be stopped.
About Dr. Amanda Oakley
Associate Professor Dr. Amanda Oakley is a dermatologist at Waikato Hospital in Hamilton, New Zealand. She is also the website manager and chief editor of DermNet NZ which presents authoritative facts about the skin for consumers and health professionals in New Zealand and throughout the world. It is written and reviewed by dermatologists, other health professionals and medical writers.
READ NEXT: 10 Things That Stopped My Thyroid Hair Loss
Hi,
Thank you so very much for writing all of this. I got diagnosed with chronic hashimoto’s when I had my first child (daughter is now 36). Then it went to hypothyroidism, then into remission because the blood work said I have no problems. However, I still have physical symptoms. I am at an embarrassingly patchy hair loss, ridged nails, constipation, gained 60 lbs, skin throughout is numb, heels are severely dry, cracked and so numb that I stepped on a nail and barely felt it. Of course there is more, but this is off the top of my head. I am frustrated to say the least because my doctors don’t get it and I feel ignored and blown off…thanks again. I am grateful for finding this.
Im thyroid-less and feel lost at times.
I do understand thyroid disease is thyroid disease but people without a thyroid have so many more obstacles with healthcare and testing and life long health issues as a result of being thyroid-less.
My issue is every test I take shows my labs being just fine and my issues are irrelevant to being thyroid-less according to my Endo and Im not alone with this type of treatment Ive seen many just like me in the same boat … your labs determine your health and because my labs say Im ok therefore I am.
I have changed Endo’s 7 times in 5 years because Im unable to even get a full thyroid panel done or any relief from my issues. Im also forced to pay out of pocket for a FT3 test and guess what my FT3 is barely in the range and my Endo won’t even look at the test I had done and yes this happens most of us including people with thyroid disease… it needs to change we deserve to feel heard and full lab testing including this elusive FT3 test.
Grace, It shouldn’t be so hard to find good thyroid doctors but the truth is it is very difficult even in this day and age. Getting the right tests is a struggle, then getting the doctor to look at symptoms over the normal ranges is a struggle, and then getting the doctor to understand that there are alternative thyroid medications like T3 and NDT is a struggle. Over my ten years of Hypothyroid Mom, I’ve heard this struggle more times than I could ever count.
In case you struggle to find a doctor open to prescribing NDT in your area, I’ve been compiling lists of doctors based on recommendations from my Hypothyroid Mom readers for the past ten years. I have lists for every US state as well as the UK, Canada, and Australia. I provide a list of doctors in a person’s region for every person that I meet for an individual virtual consult in case it is of interest:
https://ny786.infusionsoft.app/app/orderForms/Talk-with-Dana-Trentini-30min
Great to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.
I have been in the same boat now for over 25 years so I understand exactly what your going through.. I’m starting to feel it’s almost criminal the lack of treatment we are getting from any of these Drs..
I am the same. 25 years of my life gone with me being sick. Never better. Only 1 endocrinologist in area. I am angry. He takes me seriously but follows the testing numbers only.
Yup MUST find a naturopath! Mine specializes in thyroid health but any who specialize in women’s health would be great for you. They just spend more time than what doctor’s often have. I love my doctor just not for my thyroid. That was my saving grace. I had half my thyroid removed in 2012. After 8 years I am now on desiccated thyroid and I feel so much better!!! She also asked anything else that is out of whack.
I was diagnosed with thyroid problems years ago. I struggle with weight loss, meaning I can’t loose but can gain over night! I just started having terrible itching problems with my neck and chin area. There is no dry skin or a rash, could this be related to my thyroid? Any suggestions on this and also the weight loss and lack of energy would be great!
Hi Marcy, When we are hypothyroid our blood circulation often slows down which is the reason for all the various skin conditions related to the thyroid including dry itchy skin. Every bodily process can slow down because every cell require thyroid hormone for proper functioning. Even our metabolic rate tends to slow down thus the weight gain from no fault of our own. Of course not everything is necessarily thyroid related but if you have multiple symptoms that can’t be explained then having a second medical opinion about your thyroid would be wise. Here are some resources that I hope will be helpful.
Metabolism and thyroid:
https://hypothyroidmom.com/how-to-lose-weight-when-you-are-hypothyroid/
Thyroid and boosting energy:
https://hypothyroidmom.com/10-ways-to-overcome-fatigue-with-a-low-thyroid/
In case you struggle to find a doctor open to prescribing NDT in your area, I’ve been compiling lists of doctors based on recommendations from my Hypothyroid Mom readers for the past ten years. I have lists for every US state as well as the UK, Canada, and Australia. I provide a list of doctors in a person’s region for every person that I meet for an individual virtual consult in case it is of interest:
https://ny786.infusionsoft.app/app/orderForms/Talk-with-Dana-Trentini-30min
Great to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.
It’s prob a histamine reaction. If thyroid and hormones are messed up (esp going through perimeno) your histamine goes up .
I am 40, I get small scaley patches on my skin sometimes, I have thinning pubic hair, I have always been very thin but for the second time in a 8 year span, I am having the same symptoms, I have anxiety an depression, I was always told I had a high metabolism, I also had lab work come back with elevated liver enzymes, I was asked over 20 years ago by a doctor why I was so small all while looking at me like I totally disgusted him. I started checking because I am having some of the same symptoms I had years ago, like the 10 pound weight loss, scaley itchy patches, an thinning white pubic hair, after reading all this, I will make an appt to get myself checked.
I have a red discoloration on my neck that came up over night and stays with me, 3 years now and it feels warm and raw at times. Ive been on thyroid meds for 25 years. I have ridges in my nails and no energy. I feel like crap most of the time but I take meds for aDD that help with lack of energy. Sleep only happens when my body can’t take anymore. This disease has made my life very challenging health wise the side of effects of Thyroid disease are very annoying and I feel everyones pain with it. Wishing you all good health, take care of yourselves that’s all we can do.
Hi Beth, I’m sorry to hear what you’ve been going through. Speak with your doctor about having a thyroid ultrasound done if you haven’t done so already. Regards, Dana Trentini (Hypothyroid Mom)
I am at a loss with the thryoid situation, I’d say I’d tear my hear out but there isn’t much left to do that !! eyebrows and eyelashes long gone, major thin patches on my head embarrased to go out without a hat, finding hair all over the house in the laundry in the sheets vacuum cleaner is loaded with it, etc. Had several nodules removed 30 years ago, all was OK until about 8 years ago thyroid levels dropped fast. Taking synthroid but the numbers are all over the place, TSA went from 0.01 to 7.5 in 30 days, changed the dose many times. Hot flashes off the charts I look like a lobster (way past menopause) can feel the heat coming off of me even my eyes burn yet my hands are ice cold, crabby wound up shakey but I could sleep standing up. Always hungry, been very very diligent of low carb low calorie do not drink alcohol and put on 30 pounds. Also taking estrogen and cholesteral meds. Convinced my Dr to do ANA for maybe lupus although she did not think so. Not sure where to go from here. There is no endocronology within 4 hours of us. Had asked many times for different thyroid medication but always got a flat no. If she cannot get me any answers I may try to taper off of the synthroid all together.
Your Doctor sounds worthless. I wouldn’t advise going off Synthroid but the 4 hour trip to Endocrinologist may be well worth it. There’s many many autoimmune disorders. Cant you go and spend the night in the hotel in case they order tests. You have to be miserable..
Hi Annie, Taking Estrogen is highly inflammatory which could have wide spread impact. Progesterone may be a consideration and very ANTI-inflammatory. Cholesterol meds are highly dangerous and literally destroy the entire structure of the body. High cholesterol is just a marker and emergency response for vascular inflammation, not a cause. Its like blaming the fire dept for the fire. My dad did not respond to Synthroid as many dont. Desiccated thyroid is much more robust containing T-3, T-4, and calcitonin. Your meds might be a BIG factor. Good luck!
Have you tried selenium and zinc? These both help the conversion of T4 to T3 ( the usable thyroid hormone)
Foods high in selenium:
Brazil nuts, seafoods, and organ meats are the richest food sources of selenium Other sources include muscle meats, cereals and other grains, and dairy products. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/
Foods high in zinc:
Whole grains and milk products are good sources of zinc. Many ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with zinc. Oysters, red meat, and poultry are excellent sources of zinc. Baked beans, chickpeas, and nuts (such as cashews and almonds) also contain zinc.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/#h10
Cereal,dairy and grains are not a good idea to eat,most of them are GMO and full of sugars,please do a research on that and you will see what I’m talking about
Sorry to hear that,look up in YouTube for Dr Berg,watch his videos and you will understand how thyroid works and you will find the light and an answer for all your symptoms
Hello! I just found this article after searching for symptoms of thyroid issues. I’m experiencing dry, scabs on my scalp, hearing my heart beating in my right ear pretty regularly, flaky nails, weight gain. Did anyone experience symptoms like these? I plan to call my doctor soon to book an appointment.
Hi Paige, Optimal thyroid levels are required by every cell of the body so we can experience all sorts of symptoms when our levels are off. I’m happy to hear you booked an appointment with your doctor to check. Here is an article that I wrote with a list of potential thyroid symptoms. Great to have you on my site Hypothyroid Mom.
https://hypothyroidmom.com/300-hypothyroidism-symptoms-count-how-many-you-have/
We all need iodine selenium and all the other trace minerals there is a serious deficiency creating all these unnecessary problems
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD are always work on acidity treatment, if we maintain diet plan and use totalcureherbsfoundation.com then we get fast relief from this problem.
Stop the pharma; ultimately, it makes it all worse. I had extreme hair loss, and hypothryoidism. The number #1 thing that negated the nightmare was adding collagen. I did the following, and it stopped the hair loss:
1) Add collagen to water every day (blocks the leaky gut – which is huge causal contributor)
2) AVOID grains, seeds, nuts, and see which vegs. you should not eat w/thyroid condition
3) Veg drink 1/day (fresh in blender – chase w/something you like, since it’s not pleasant)
4) Massage scalp – not hair
5) Make sure you are taking professional grade vitamins (zinc, magnesium, etc.)
6) Ensure your estrogen, testosterone, progesterone are appropriate for you
Note: Standard testing is NOT calibrated to detect most real underlying causes which is why all of your testing looks fine. It’s expensive; however, try to go to a “natural” MD who specializes in non-pharma based solutions. Remember, big pharma gifts doctors with cruises and perks to get you hooked on all of their drugs – fact! And, 70% of the FDA are former drug company employees.
Why did you have to give up nuts and seeds?
Hello I hope I am not crazy. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, took Levotyroxine for 2 months. All the sudden I go from 145 pounds to 104. Blood test.. Hyperthyroidism. My Dr. stopped taking my insurance, and the new dr an idiot. He hasnt even sent for my records. I have told him about the flip flop, he blew it off. Now my back is covered in these bumps that ooze clear liquid they differ in brown shades. I dont know what to do.
I to been having bumps that are like yours , did you find out what they are
I feel everyone’s pain here, but I need everyone to be aware … Stay on top of these Drs. Get tested frequently. I am 49 hrs old acquired hypo at age 19 after a hard pregnancy. I wasn’t taking my meds and water filled the outer sac of my heart. I had to be life flighted for emergency surgery, they thought my heart would stop in traffic. I started out on 250 mcg. Please, please don’t let these Drs. not test enough. Your thyroid will take your life if you’re not careful. As for pain, wow. So much pain in so many places, I had no idea it was thyroid related. Right now I’m on Norco because I can’t even pick up my cell phone without excruciating pain. My prayers are with everyone. IF YOUR WITH A DR. YOU’RE NOT SURE YOU TRUST …. FIND ANOTHER
I was diagnosed with Hypo right after I had my daughter. I was immediately placed on meds and slowly upped to 200mcg.
About a year ago, I went to an East meta West Dr. he took 22 viles of blood and tested for everything. He told me I had Hashimotos and I should go 80% gluten free.
I went home and started reading up on Hashimotos. It basically said you are diagnosed with Hashimotos when there isn’t anything else to call what you have.
I do not have about 50% of the symptoms.
I am tired a lot, weight gain, some dry skin. My nails are clear but I have ridges and no moons(which I did not know was a symptom)
I have beautiful long hair and long eyelashes
I don’t believe I have Hashimotos, what do I have?
You have Thyroid disease! Unfortunately it is very very difficult and confusing to figure out which type. I was told I had Hashimoto’s disease by my Dr. And I went to check symptoms, I had every symptom but three! 3 years later during a check up I asked my Dr. a question regarding my Hashimoto’s disease and she looked at me and said “Who told you that you had Hashimoto’s disease?!!!! That’s when I knew it was time to research what was going with my body myself! Thyroid disease is one of the most difficult and confusing diseases to treat bcuz it mimics so many other diseases. It also triggers other problems such as gut issues which I also have. Do your research on your symptoms and keep a log, learn what works for your body and stay away from from what don’t. These doctors push pills and while some work there are some that makes things even worse. In the end my system was so toxic from so many meds I ended up with large blue stained rashes on my back that lasted for years! This is an example of being over medicated. Thyroid diseases are difficult to treat but don’t be impatient because doing so can cause repetitive treatments that don’t work. Be patient, keep a log and r write down any positive changes in your skin and how you feel. Find a Dr that has patience to figure out what your triggers are.
This says that Vitiligo is associated with Hashimoto’s. Does that mean if I have Vitiligo I can assume I have Hashimoto’s even if my lab work doesn’t show elevated antibodies?
No. You do not have hashimotos just because you have Vitiligo. If you do not have elevated TPO levels, you do NOT have hashimotos.
You can have seronegative hashimotos
I had the right side of my thyroid removed over 30 years ago due to a large goiter pressing on my esophagus. For two years after I took a low dose of synthroid. We moved to a new state and the new doc discontinued the meds. Since that time I have dealt with extreme fatigue, cold intolerance, dry skin, dry, brittle hair and nails. I recently had a PET scan which revealed my remaining thyroid is extremely enlarged and has a goiter. My hair is falling out and I now have developed a horrible rash. Yet my bloodwork is always fine. I often wonder if it has anything to do with being a redhead. Redheads have a defective gene which requires to receive more pain meds such as numbing at the dentist among other things. Not sure if that defective gene affects blood tests or not. Something to ponder.
make sure you dr is testing FREE T3 FREE T4 AND TSH and antibodies…..AND REVERSE T3 OR you can be undermedicate especially on t4 only meds. Make sure you are not low normal in d3, b12, ferritin or iron
My medical doctor kept telling me I was fine. She only checked TSH never ever checked T3, reverse T3, or antibodies. She thought my TSH was fine because the lab she used said TSH levels were normal. They were using old levels from the 70’s. I went to an Endocrinologist who about freaked out when I handed her my blood work. She immediately put me on Synthroid. She also had blood work drawn and told me she would see me in a month. A week later I was told I had Hoshimoto. For several months each time I returned the thyroid medication was increased. When you have Hoshimoto’s she told me therapeutic level is below 1 mine originally was at 5.8.
I have had had issues since I was a teenager. For years the doctors would put me on synthroid and then take me off. I now have 4 forms of arthritis all due to not being cared for correctly by doctors. I will only see a natural doctor at this point in my life.
I’ve been taking 100mcg thyroxine for about 40 years ,I fall asleep most afternoons ,I don’t just feel tired…it’s sheer exhaustion,I can’t keep my eyes open. my eyebrows are getting so thin, but everytime I have my blood tests, it always comes back with the same result….normal range. I have developed dry red patches on my upper arms that no cream or ointment will shift.I don.t know if that’s caused by the thyroid or not I eat a healthy diet but can’t seem to loose weight. the skin on my face isn’t dry , but I have red marks all over my cheeks. the cold doesn’t bother me…but I find I can’t stand the heat…
Have you checked to see if you have lupus?
That was the first thing I thought of as well.
YOU MAY have LOW FREE T3 ,MANY people do not convert their t4 meds into the active free t3 your body uses and they either need t3 added or need to use a natural thyroid supplement like armour, nature throid , etc that has t1 t2 t3 t4 in it to feel better…
Those are also signs of Lupus. I have Lupus. The red patches on your skin are a one of the most common effects of Lupus SLE. I have the same issues with exhaustion. I have also experienced a very numerous variety of symptoms associated with it. I would definitely ask to have your ANA tested and let your doctor know any symptoms you have been wxperiwncing.
Also, have them check not just your thyroid t3/4. They need to check for antibodies!
I’ve been experiencing pretibial myedema (Hashimoto’s) for several months and that, in addition to the overall pain I have, has made walking quite difficult. I am looking at an under desk elliptical due to the longer periods I am at my desk and wonder if this activity would affect the myxedema in either a positive or negative way. Any thoughts?
I took Armour and Synthroid for about 40 years, now I take meds for T3 and T4 to combat brain-fog.
Forgot to tell you, I have taken citimel and synthroid for both T3 and T4 for about 40 years
Professor, hos has that combo worked for you?
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease at age 17, now 78. I have lived “free” of any symptoms until a year ago. I was recently diagnosed with Vitiligo. For about a year I scratched itchy circles off my left arm, circles had a neutral color. My arm looks bad, but the itchy circles have stopped. When I was young, people did not burn like they do now, but I always wore a long sleeve shirt. Recently, I noticed my face has a pink patchy covering quite a bit of my face, both sides. And, I burn really fast on my neck, ears, and face. This sucks
I was recently diagnosed with under active thyroid, I had trouble getting pregnant for 5 years, had a miscarriage and one successful pregnancy, my daughter is 2 now, and we are trying for #2. I have suspected for years that my thyroid may be to blame. I also got vitiligo when I was 5, I’ve lost all of my pigment years ago. I’ve got patches of white hair and half my eyelashes on my right eye are white, which is kinda cool. My father had under active thyroid and had a grapefruit sized goiter removed. Auto immune disorders run in our family. As far as symptoms of hypothyroidism, only notable symptoms I’ve had is irregular periods and rapid weight gain after my daughter was born. And some small raised pimply bumps on my arms that I’ve been meaning to get checked out.
I have had hashimotos since my daughter was born 8 years ago, I also have pimply bumps on my arms that are itchy and come and go. Did you find out what these are?
Terrin. I have always had very dry ,flakey skin. Since menopause its worse, my metabolism has almost stopped, seems I just can’t loose the weight and I now have a skin condition called granuloma Aguilera. My thyroid (THyroid stimulating hormone ,t4,t3) tests keep coming back normal. I still feel this stuff is thyroid related because I also am tired all the time. What’s up with that? My hair is thinner but not balding.
I have been getting breakouts since I had my thyroid removed. Driving me crazy!
I have had extreme itching under the skin since 1990. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at that time and put on thyroid medication. I already had vitiligo, for several years, but unaware of a thyroid problem. After taking the medicine for several months, I’ve developed a runny nose, “frog in my throat”, very itchy back (under the skin). I’ve tried several topical creams ( medicated as well) but nothing has helped. I’ve talked to two dermatologists, as well as several doctors. This is driving me crazy, continually every day.
I have been diagnosed with both Hashimoto’s and Grave’s disease i am going for a blood test tomorrow as they are looking for the underlying cause of itchy and sore lumps on my nipples, i scratch and they then get sore, i have the itchy bumps pop up randomly and then spread, my skin is very dry and heels cracking, i am losing about a hand full of hair most days and then this stops, my arms now have bllod blisters on them as if i have scraped them but i have not. This is all Hashimoto’s and graves disease symptoms, Has your doctor checked your BSL( Blood Sugar Levels, a fasting test it takes about 45 minutes where they take blood out of each of your fingers about every 3 minutes or so. I ahve also been treated with Radioactive Iodine the biggest amount they can give, it knocked out the thyroid and then, my problems returned within 1 month, the thyroid did not function at all, so pills to make it function again, then it was functioning way too much and i started having heart palpitations, so more meds to stop that and different Thyroid medication, i am seriously thinking of getting them to remove my Thyroid altogether but have been told there is no cure for Hashimoto’s and Graves it is a life long sentence, you do go into remission, but if nothing else takes your life it does in the end. It is sad in today’s world there is nothing full proof to combat this dangerous disease and not much talked about, There should really be a tour around the world warning Women especially about this life long fight with this disease and the need to investigate it, Hope all are feeling better i have read your symptoms and can say if you have not seen your doctor yet, please go urgently.
I know this is a little late but was just reading your post and had to check to make sure it wasnt written by me! I’ve got exactly same problem. I am itching in the same places, my nose keeps running, and I get that frog in the throat feeling. My TSH had gone up to 112 but now is still high at 64. I’m titrating up on my thyroid meds. Start 45mg of Armour tomorrow. How are you doing now?
Hello!
I just came across this article today through Pinterest. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto in 2015. I had chronic fatigue for the first two years of my diagnosis. I had to quit my job that I loved. I have not come across any one that has symptoms like me. I know that everyone with Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease is different.
My symptoms are if I get too stressed out or too tried, I start sweating badly, I turn white as paper my skin is clammy and wet. My blood pressure goes high. I can not take the heat and humidity. I was finally diagnosed with the intolerance to heat instead of the cold. My hands stay chap all the time and in the fall and winter time they are so dry my hands can crack open. I take two thyroid pills for 6 days then I take the lowest dose on 7th day.
Does any one else have these symptoms with their hands?
Thanks
I have severe dry skin on hands use lots of cream on them my fingers crack open and bleed unless I use cream after washing every time. I am hypothyroid after thyroid removal in 2012
Skin @ last tuft of your fingers cracking?? Get checked for Vitamin D-3 deficiency!?
Going on a D-3 supplement made a H-U-G-E difference for me in just about a week!! Night & Day, seriously!!
My mother suffered c that for as long as I can remember, and we never figured out that it as caused by D-3 deficiency. I am a nurse anesthetist, and I thought that it as being in the cold OR day-after-day. Nope- it was D-3 deficiency: too little sun exposure!!
MANY who live in the northern part of our country suffer like my Mom did. Not from cold, but some do not get outside much in the fall/winter/spring seasons.
Have blood drawn for D-3 deficiency, and then Get on D-3!!
Swanson Vitamins have their own line of D3 caps (I buy the 2000 strength caps because I take 4000/day).
Let me know what they find, and how much you improve on D-3 Supplement‼️
I’ve had extremely dry, rough, peeling and leathery skin on my chin for two months. I can’t even wear makeup anymore because it just cakes up on the dry skin. It feels as if I have ten extra layers of skin ( in other words if I scratch my chin I can’t even feel it.!) I’m waiting for bloodwork results from my doctor to find an underlying cause of this and my extreme fatigue. I went to a dermatologist who said it was an allergy but I haven’t changed any detergents, moisturizers or make up etc. so I know that’s not it. I’m embarrassed to even go anywhere. Just wondering if hypothyroidism could cause the skin to build up like that?
I wonder if any of you have tried the old remedy for thyroid diagnosis – Armour. It is made from pork thyroid. I have heard of a few people who couldn’t tolerate the artificial synthroid etc. They did well on Armour because it possibly replaced ALL the parts that may be affected. Your doctor should be able to prescribe it for you. You could try and see if any of those annoying/crappy/puzzling symptoms are taken care of.
I have been on Armour Thyroid for the last 6 years with no problems. My thyroid was removed in 2012 due to papillary cancer. This is an out of pocket drug and is not covered by the drug companies. I do have dry itchy skin and the next time I am scheduled to see my Doctor plan on mentioning this issue.
So while pregnant I was told I had graves disease and then after another blood test they told me they made a mistake but I think they may have been right the first time around. I get a rash on my fingers that itches so bad I scratch until bleeding, I can be so tired that I cant get outta bed one day and the next day unable to sleep getting up several times a night. seriously dry skin and then super oily and breaking out(at 34 yrs. old!) This has been going on now since I had my first child 7 years ago. Also after having both my kids I lost a significant amount of weight to the point people thought I was sick but then gained it back within a year to two. Has anyone else experienced these symptoms? I don’t have insurance at this time so I’m unable to have see a dr. and get the blood testing done. I do want to do my research before I go out a buy insurance if I may not need it. Thanks
UNrelenting generalized itching. I actually feel what I’d describe as “burning BITES!”
And yes, I’m about out of my mind over it- to the point of going to my dermatologist, a LICE clinic and even talked to a psychiatrist about the itching‼️
Lost my eyebrows after the birth of my 1st son. Sparse hair under my arms, on my legs (I haven’t had to shave in YEARS!). Sensitive to both heat AND cold (and it’s NOT “hot flashes” I had those when I was about 43- none after about 18-24 months of that torture!). Incredible dry skin. Brittle, dry nails that peel off in layers; longitudinal ridges in ALL my fingernails, and one is split about half- way to the moon. Don’t sleep well- sometimes NOT @ ALL 2-3 nights in-a-row‼️ vs: being totally wired and so scattered I can’t focus on ANYthing!
HELP‼️
MaryLou, I’m sorry to hear the struggle you are experiencing. That itching you describe sounds awful. As you seek out help, be sure to have your thyroid fully tested in case it may be connected. Here in my article at Hypothyroid Mom you will find a chart of the lab tests and optimal ranges to have checked.
https://hypothyroidmom.com/top-5-reasons-doctors-fail-to-diagnose-hypothyroidism/
I have the same mary Lou and my skin looks weird and patterned wrinkled
JP We all need insurance. No matter what age. If you can’t afford it, there is always Medicaid. It is imperative to take care of your Health. More important than Wealth!
Have you heard of anyone with Hashimotos dealing with anetoderma? They are white patches that look saggy on the skin and are associated with autoimmune conditions, usually lupus.
Hello I am brand new to all of this and came across this site looking up symptoms of hypothyroidism. I started to get a rash on my shins back in July of this year and I thought I had gotten into something in a sunflower field, I’m a photographer so I am in fields and places this could happen. Well it never went away and just gotten a little worse since then but I have tried everything to fix it from cortisone cream, steroids, and even antifungal cream. Nothing helped. Well I have been sick with cold like symptoms for about a week.. lost my voice and got antibiotics for a sinus infection. Then two days ago I noticed a lump like swollen area on the front left side of my neck so called the dr back and went back in. She took blood and I’m scheduled for an ultrasound on Monday. She told me it was definitely my thyroid that is swollen so I have been reading all kind of things and finding out that I probably have been dealing with the issue for a while now… I am very tired, I am cold all the time, the rash on my legs and now the puffy swollen neck…. Of course I’m freaking out and everything on the internet is telling me the worst thing it could possibly be lol I am just curious if anyone has experienced similar things that I am and hoping it can easily be managed. Thanks for any advice 🙂
Hi I read your article, if you are being treated for hypothyroidism, have the doctor check you out, make sure you get put on a hormone to balance out your body and take your medication on time. Levothyroxine is what I take and has been pretty successful along with a good diet and exercise. My thyroid swollen pretty large. Make sure you see a good endocrinologist to x ray your throat. If you have any questions email me, I’ll be glad to share.
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s 4 years ago. I have never experience any hair loss but do suffer from very painful red skin rashes on my fingers. What causes this??
Just had my blood work done and my TSH is finally in the normal range, but I’m still experiencing symptoms.
Especially the dry, red, flaky skin on my face. I wish I knew how to control this?
Not sure whether this will help but it has helped me a lot. There is a cream developed in California for people who have had facelifts and other work done on their faces. It is called Sheald by IS Clinical. I had heart surgery 3 years ago and I bought it to help with the scarring on my chest and leg – it is very good. I am hypothyroid and 2 years ago the skin on my face was very dry, red and flaky as you mention so I decided to give the remains of my tube of Sheald a trial on my face. It is quite thick and takes a time to sink in but it has worked. The dry flaky skin has disappeared and the redness has almost disappeared. I use it about three times a week if I am not going out anywhere as it sinks in quite slowly. It is very expensive in the UK but I gather from a friend in the US that it is cheaper there.
Another thing for anyone who has split and ridged nails is CND RescueRX which I bought on Amazon. I have only been using it for two weeks and the difference is remarkable.
I have just checked and you can get Sheald on Amazon too, not sure about US
Hazel, I have thickened, dry and peeling skin on my legs. I have spent money on several different creams and moisturizers suggested by my dermatologist and have found Palmer’s Coca Butter that can be bought from Amazon to be the best.
Just came across this website. I have hypo and my levels are perfectly normal. I live a healthy and completely active lifestyle. I noticed a couple weeks ago I added carrots more often to meals then my preferred broccoli. Have any you experienced orangish palms and feet by eating to many carrots? Feeling great so no other issues aside. LOL I’m going back to broccoli for awhile and reduce carrot intake. Any advice.? Thanks
I was diagnosed July 2004 with Hashimotos bc I had a newborn (in april) and a toddler and was always so exhausted I couldn’t take care of my kids…in addition to gaining 3-4 pant sizes in 2-3 weeks….I have found that Synthroid is the only med that keeps my levels somewhere near normal and have been on every dose from 88-175. I have experienced pretty much every symptom over the years and within the last few months, am now having swelling and itching over my whole body…I’m miserable 🙁 my last bloodwork also showed liver enzymes roughly 3 times normal and thyroid was way way low…so now im waiting to get bloodwork done again to see if both are normal now. With all of this being said, I can deal with the aches/cold intolerance/weight fluctuations/etc , but this whole body itching (literally head to toe…hands, arms,head,chest,back) is just driving me nuts….lotion helps some (short term). Does anyone have any suggestions? I just turned 37 and swear im gonna go insane with this itching.
I have been dealing with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism for 14 years, including thyroid cancer last year. Most of that time has been on synthroid. The itching was making me crazy too, especially since the thyroïdectomie and radiation. I just switched to tirosint last month after researching the inactive ingredients in all the different thyroid pills. I realized I was allergic to two of synthroid’s inactive ingredients! A month into the new pill the itching has stopped and I feel much better overall. I feel more like my old self and have energy again. I wish I had figured it out sooner! The only problem is tirosint is expensive. 🙁
Also forgot to mention I’ve lost 7 pounds on the new thyroid meds in a month! I’m eating and exercising the same (I’ve been trying to lose weight since May of 2017!). On synthroid I couldn’t lose a pound, and had gained 40 pounds since my thyroidectomy and radiation. Everyone is different, but Tirosint seems to be the better medication for me. I wish I hadn’t wasted 14 years before getting desperate enough to research the inactive ingredients. Best of luck to finding on that works for you. 🙂
Elevated liver levels can cause very itchy skin.
Wow! This has been the best site for me. I’ve struggled with skin problems since 1990. I am humbled and will contact my doctor to put me back on it. The Levothyroxine was too strong. I was going thru Chemo and radiation treatment too. It’s been close to 2 years without Levothyroxine. 4 years cancer free 😇so glad I found you. God bless you all!
Hello Dorleen, 4 years cancer free! So wonderful but I can only imagine what a toll this has all taken on you emotionally and physically. Good to have you at Hypothyroid Mom.
I had thyroid out 30yrs ago and have been on thyroid medicine since. Now apparently part of thyroid has grown back and with it 7 nodules. For the last 10 months have been dealing with chronic skin rash over the whole body. I was on steroids for 9 months but still rash continued. Then my face swelled and b ot rashy. I’m going nuts because I itch all over…nothing relieves it. Now I’m on methotrexate. ..which is a lose dose chemo pill…I take once a week for last 5 weeks and I’m still breaking out with rash and itching all over. HELP…any suggestions? I am 66 yrs old and this is miserable. The Dr said it is an autoimmune problem and methotrexate will suppress immune system but so far it hasn’t helped..it just makes me sick for a few days and I’m still itching and getting the rash. Any suggestions will help.
Paula, I’m sos sorry to hear all that’s happening with your skin. As you read in this guest post that I included at Hypothyroid Mom, low thyroid affects the skins in all sorts of ways. This may be your red flag that your hypothyroidism is not being well treated. If you are on a T4 only levothyroxine medication like Synthroid, the first step is to read about the other options. Here’s an article:
https://hypothyroidmom.com/which-is-the-best-thyroid-drug-for-hypothyroidism/
Just came across this website. I have hypo and my levels are perfectly normal. I live a healthy and completely active lifestyle. I noticed a couple weeks ago I added carrots more often to meals then my preferred broccoli. Have any you experienced orangish palms and feet by eating to many carrots? Feeling great so no other issues aside. LOL I’m going back to broccoli for awhile and reduce carrot intake. Any advice.? Thanks
Methotrexate is serious stuff. I wouldn’t take it. Try grandpas pine tar soap let the lather sit on the rash for a few mins. Hope this helps.
I had a Thyroidectomy on February 27. I am experiencing some changes in my HbA1c, Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and Weight gain. My doctor doesn’t say anything about Calcium, or other hormones that involves the Thyroid and the Endocrine System. From your perspective, what more should I expect without a Thyroid ??
What about rash on face not in scalp??
Ketaconazol shampoo helped my daughter. It is available otc and you can also get a script for it. It’s a little pricey but insurance usually will pay for it.
I take Hydroxine for rash and severe itching. It only helps the symptoms to give me relief. I’m currently eating the Autoimmune protocol diet. For the most part the rash and itching are much better unless I cheat with AIP diet. I have felt so much better after I found how to eat right.
Hello. My daughter has graves disease. Her blood count is high. The medication s working, but not fast enough for the Doctor. She wants my daughter to have the surgery. From what I have read it’s not good. I want to help her but don’t know what to do.
My daughter had her thyroid removed and she hasn’t been the same since. She’s in a lot of leg pain, tired, rash now ,her voice changed. She says sorry she took it out.
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in June of 2016. It took a year and a half to get my synthroid at the right dose and now my face looks 20 year’s older than I am (my doctor thought I was my sister’s mother, she is 5 years’s older than me) my skin is so saggy and puffy aroung my jowels and cheeks. Is there anyway to tighten my skin?
Have you found out anything about skin yet , I have noticed a drastic aging in last yr. now my hair super dry and falling out rapidly
I have come acrossed a book titled The PH Miracle.This book has natural ways using certain food combinations to make your body fight off several diseases including thyroid distinctions.I have been following the book faithfully along with my medications and I can see a dramatic difference in the way I look and feel.
12 yrs ago I should have been dead. I got full body edema and turned out it was my thyroid 100 pts over normal…hair falling out, skin was so dry, hurt so bad and couldn’t hold anything in. Terrible explosions of skin and itching. Yrs later found Sleep Apnea was an underlying root. I am now 67 and am reversing with more hair growth, shiny hair for the 1st time in yrs, double chin gone now in pictures, jowls lifting, muscle tone, losing inches. I feel I am truly reversing – A Homeopathic HGH, Homeopathic Thyroid, Homeopathic Adrenal Topical Gel. (Microdosing) FDA registered and only one of it’s kind. I’m loving it. Even my sleep, energy, figure, feet pain are better and no more abundant bathroom trips throughout the night. My twin is Thyroid and allergic to self (Mast Cell disease), 2 strokes is doing amazingly better. Hormone balance is bigger than I ever thought and the meds or progesterone hormone creams do not do what this does. I found Castor Oil settles down the nasty itching. I’m here to help. Blessings, [email protected]
I would love to know the names of these homeopathic remedies, creams you speak of. Very interested. Thank you for sharing.
Michelle G.
And the white eyelashes.
My head looks like the person in the picture.im bald in one area with a clump of hair in the middle.what can I do to grow it back?
I have the dry skin, the cracked heels, and am recovering from the alopecia due to trial and error. Try making a little bay rum, massaging into scalp, covering then rinsing for couple days, then moisturize like black people (I am) with natural moisturizers.
Lessen sugar and gluten like other people have mentioned. It helps. Eat seaweed snacks.
Now all I need help with is the joint pains I didn’t have until this started. Suggestions appreciated.
Reanna,
I can’t give you guidance, but I just want you to know that I wish you well in what must be a horrible situation. Your experience with doctors is a very common one ( I’ve experienced it myself) and it’s hard to not start doubting yourself. You know yourself and your body best, and don’t be intimidated/discouraged from seeking any tests or treatment you think you might need. Good luck!
I hope this is still an active feed. I was recently diagnosed with hyperactive thyroid. It started several months ago after I gave birth to my second child. It started with a long very heavy and dark period that lasted almost 4 months. Then in as little as 2 short weeks I lost over 25 pounds. I finally was diagnosed. I’ve been taking this medication but have now noticed my face and hands starting to peel and crack. I’m miserable, constantly exhausted and irritable. My doctor has not discussed any of these symptoms with me at all. Actually I only received a phone call 2 days after they drew my blood. I was told over the phone that I had this and was told to pick up a prescription. I see my doc on the 1st and hope she can give me the answers I need. Looking for some guidance here as well.
Look into subacute, or De Quervain’s, thyroiditis. I developed hyperthyroid symptoms and lost a lot of weight in the months after my baby was born. By the time the doctor concluded it was not a true Graves disease, I was starting to improve. He never gave me thyroid meds, just told me to take aspirin. I recovered after a few months. But 15 yrs later I started having hypothyroid symptoms, and have been on levothyroxine and liothyronine for a long time now. Still have skin problems but otherwise feel pretty good. I’m going to experiment with some of the other suggestions I’ve seen here, including cutting out some foods. – while still taking the Rx I’ve been using.
So… like… any advice right now would be helpful. I have been monitoring my thyroid because my previous doctor said she was concerned about weird levels (always ‘within acceptable parameters,’ but off). I have recently been reconnecting with my mom and her family (they weren’t really a part of my life) and things have been stressful. I have PTSD, and I started vomiting like… all the time recently. I assumed it was stress, as I have had that reaction before… but not like this. I have lost like 20 lbs. I also just found out that my biological mom and maternal grandmother have Grave’s Disease. I immediately scheduled an appointment with a doctor (I had been putting it off when I just thought it was psychosomatic) and the doctor immediately referred me to a psychiatrist. He refused to prescribe an anti emetic. I held onto hope that the psychiatrist would take me seriously, but he was so dismissive of what I was saying that he sent the prescription he gave me (for an ssri? I think? he rushed through the whole appointment) to a pharmacy that I had just told him (more than once) was no longer anywhere near where I lived. I also have a prolonged QT interval, which was discovered by the same doctor who told me to keep an eye on my thyroid levels, because she was going to prescribe me citalopram and she wanted to make sure I didn’t have an underlying condition (citaloptram can prolong qt interval). Like. I simultaneously feel like a crazy person because doctors keep dismissing things, but I decided to try and inform myself and… like… I have the symptoms that folks talk about. And I don’t know what to do. They did a thyroid test (which the psychiatrist dismissed and the original doctor almost didn’t order) so hopefully that will help? I am just so confused about all of this, and I only just got insurance back. Like. When I went in to the doctor, I just asked him to help me with the vomiting and run the test. I’m not like… totally convinced I have this or anything…… I just am really scared, because I am losing weight so fast, and I just feel so depressed. If this isn’t just PTSD, I can’t deal with it like it is.
To be clear, I have round patches on my head. I always assumed they were scars from cigarette burns (I have those in other places). I have reddish purple… bumps? What I would refer to as eczema (because that’s what the doctor said it was) on my shin, the top of one foot, knees, and elbows. The skin flakes sometimes, but it never goes away. My skin isn’t dry, though, it’s oily, which is why the patches are so weird.
Sometimes my hands and feet hurt so much I have difficulty walking or holding things. I always assumed it was a side effect of the muscle spasms I have.
I guess my point is, I have a long history of weird medical things, and the more I read about Grave’s, the more that makes sense. I just don’t know how to advocate for myself with these doctors.
I have to pretend that I am advocation for someone else… becasue I will go to bat for others bt I feel not so easy formy self
Thanks that’s a great idea
You sounds like you have Hashimotos Hyperthyroid. You need an intergrative approach doctor. Also get the book 90 day protocol Dr. Wentz. You will find that all of your symptoms are related, and also find very helpful strategies to get you well. Your Graves D. was probably caused by your thyroid or vice verse. It is very common to get additional autoimmunes with Hashimotos.
Have you gotten any answerss? I am working with an amazing immunologist/allergist to get a diagnoses of what is going on with me. If you haven’t gotten answers…don’t give up! Switch doctors and get some referrals to docs recommended in your area
If you have PTSD, it may be the cortisol that’s making your thyroid out of order. My thyroid seems hyper one month then hypo the other.
I’m no expert but I’ve looked at PTSD and thyroid and there are reports of it really messing things up.
Have you looked up cortisol and thyroid?
It may raise more questions than answers. It seems like that doctor you told you about watching your levels may be the best to deal with it. She seems to know more than the other, IMO.
You might have hasimoto, it’s an autoimmune disease. I have it & also have rosacea which is another autoimmune disease. I have very swollen thyroids that look like gorders. Change your doctor if you’re not comfortable. Good luck, I will pray for you.
Doctors are not very informed about thyroid disease, but it is VERY common. Ask others around you about their doctors and look for a open-minded GP too. Mine is and after I do research on thyroid issues (there’s plenty out there now) I tell him what I want and he usually does do it. Functional medicine doctors, who treat symptoms as well as test results, are great. There are also thyroid glandular and herbal support products on the market you can get. Just be careful and do your research first.
I have symptoms of both hypo and hyper . I can’t tolerate heat in summer and cold in winter . The heat in summer is more severe because I live in south Louisiana . If I get too hot I start throwing up and want to pass out ! I am careful where i go . In winter if I get cold I am shaking so hard I look like I’m having a seizure !!!! I was in my 50’s before I was diagnosed . The endo said he thought I had this as a child and it was overlooked . I have had many symtoms and problems . I had my thyroid removed in 2005 and had RAI . It is horrible to live this way ! I am now 69 !
I also have symptoms of hypo and hyper and of course my work ups always show the opposite of whatever state I happen to be in. I had one thyroid
Removed in my late 40’s and was diagnosed with Hashimotos then, now I’m 62 and my mental and physical health is really starting to take its toll. I’m going to switch to Armour when I get back home as I have some friends and family who have found relief going this route, you might want to look into it as an option.
Patricia my heart goes out to you. Gulp is that my future.
Hi guys I’m 57 years old. I had thyroid cancer in 2006 now I had 17 neck nodules removed of 13 cancerous. Before this I had Congestive Heart . Had pacemaker defribulator inserted and they told me it was due to a viral infection. I was very thin prior to my last daughter in 2001 I had an emergency cesarean done. Since then I went down hill. I have been tested fir Hashimoto and tested positive. Now they said I still have papillary cancer but not to worry. Had surgery to remove my nodules and my voice still hasn’t returned. Ugh thus sucks!!!
I geel so gross. My scalp is scaley and itchy. I have tried oils and zinc shampoos..
Nothing seems to help. Its terrible and I’m going crazy. Does anyone have suggestions! I feel like I can’t handle this anymore.
The only solution to thyroid related problems involving skin conditions is to change the diet. No gluten and no sugar and no processed food. Fruits are okay. You will see the difference in a month. Go as natural as possible. Avoid commercial store bought creams and lotions. So far i only liked Eucerin. If possible choose organic skin care line. Drink filtered water and even better if you can get filter i stalled in your shower faucet. Good luck and dont lose hope. You are not alone in this…. Take care
Do itch a lot I itch a lot all over
Have you tried tar products? Shampoo as well as cream.
I’ve read that tar products can be carcinogenic. I would avoid them.
I have found an Aveda scalp product that helps – pramàsana. I trialled it at my hairdressers but is also available at Aveda stores.
Clobetasol Propionate works WONDERS!! I HIGHLY recommend it!!!
I use that stuff off and on, whenever I get desperate. It does help but only temporarily. It’s NOT a cure and does have side effects of its own.
try 50% Apple cider vinegar mixed with 50% water. Mix in spray bottle. Apply completely to your scalp. Pop on a shower cap leave on 20-60 minuets depends on how much you have. Then wash out. My daughters will get so bad she scratches it till it bleeds. This is the only thing that works for her. You will need to do at least once a week I have to do every other day with her.
A bit more. Thieves cleanser is highly concentrated. If you have someone who is educated in Young Living oils, ask them to give you some to try for a few days.
What or where would you find this at? What department? Thanks…ive got hypo, with bumps on my scalp, at first, super painful to touch, then itchy, bumps…
Young Living is a multi-level marketing company. Look for a lodal distributor to help. You might be able to get a sample, but will be asked to sign on. You can do this without worry of being hounded by the company, and it will give you access to distributor prices. I was one for years and have been inactive.
Neutrogena tar shampoo…works like a charm
I tried massaging coconut oil into my scalp and it helped. I was worried about having greasy hair but it seemed to look thicker. I was pleased as it had been thinning. 🙂
Do you use the coconut oil that looks like lard, or the actual oil? How often do you have to do it? Mine itchy scalp is driving me nuts!
I used to treat my mums scaley scalp with a diluted sulution of Dettol, worked wonders, so try rinsing hair with a jugful of this every so often.