I am having skin problems on my torso. Scratches turn into sores that take months to heal.

[desperation]

I also have patches of skin that feel rough like an elephants skin. Is this related to thyroid issues or perhaps B12? I don' seem to get anywhere with the GP. I have had various blood tests that all come back normal??? No, I don't have copies of them. It all seems too much of an issue to get them even though I know I am entitled to them.

[Lottiecat]

Pretibial myxodema Is similar to elephants skin, usually starts on the shins, but I have it on my thigh too, it is linked to thyroid disorder, googling tells me over active , however I am underactive.

[desperation in reply to Lottiecat]

I am currently reducing my meds as I am apparently thyrotoxic. That is the only symptom that suggests that. I am usually tired, lot of other symptoms too that suggest under-active. I am giving the reduction a go, however, is is not easy. It takes about 6 weeks to start recovering from the change in meds. Meanwhile,I keep walking into things, I am very clumsy and very forgetful. Along with feeling exhausted all the time.

I had problems with legs, hands and feet before I was originally treated. However, this was more of shedding skin. Do you have problems with lesions healing?

Is the problem curable?

[Clutter in reply to desperation]

Desperation, have you been tested for B12 and folate deficiency? b12d.org/b12-signs-symptoms...

Vitamin D and ferritin deficiency can both present with pain, fatigue and cognitive issues too. vitamindcouncil.org/vitamin...

[desperation in reply to Clutter]

yes. Apparently normal. Just scored 70 on the test page.

[Clutter in reply to Lottiecat]

Lottie, Hashimoto's patients get pretibial myxoedema too. Have you tested for thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab)?

[Lottiecat]

I don't think so. I have several problems that are put down to auto immune problems, so I think I'm going back to docs to request to be tested.

[shaws Administrator]

I am sorry you have skin problems which sound quite bad.

Tell your GP you want to get copies of your blood test results to keep for your own records. It's easy then to ask the Receptionists for a copy each time. We are entitled and we can compare or post results if necessary. We have to have the ranges as it makes it easier for members to comment. Labs throughout the country differ in their ranges for some unknown reason.

I wonder if you are allergic to the fillers/binders in levo. Maybe try an anti-histamine about 1 hour before you take levo to see if this helps you. If it does, ask your GP for a referral to an Endocrinologist.

[sazzyb]

I've got skin issues too so am having a biopsy next week. For copies of your test results all you need to do is write a very short letter to your doc 'Dear Dr ... I would be very grateful if you could print me a copy of my blood test results which I will collect shortly. Thank you for your help. Kind regards, desperation.' I get my son's and my husband's test results that way, the print-outs are always waiting at reception for me, there's never an issue.

Check out DermNet for skin problems associated with thyroid disease. It's a great reference site, lots of pics too.

dermnetnz.org/systemic/thyr...

dermnetnz.org/dermal-infilt...

[Mystory4u]

Has your doctor considered scleroderma? You may need to see a dermatologist to get this diagnosis confirmed.