Skin reactions

[ra89]

Has anyone had any issues with there skin whilst on levothyroxine ? I’ve always had good skin, but since taking Levo I seem to have developed acne on my back and face, I’m only assuming at this point, but it seems quite a coincidence as it’s the only change I’ve made over the last year, has anyone else had these issues, and sorted it? Could it be a dose issue ? Any help will be greatly appreciated

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Can see from your previous post that you were started on Levothyroxine a year ago

How much Levothyroxine are you currently taking?

Do you always get same brand of Levothyroxine?

Do you have any blood test results to add?

For full Thyroid evaluation you need TSH, FT4 and FT3 plus both TPO and TG thyroid antibodies tested. Also important to test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12

Low vitamin levels are extremely common, especially if Thyroid antibodies are raised

Recommended on here that all thyroid blood tests should ideally be done as early as possible in morning and fasting. This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip, best not mentioned to GP or phlebotomist)

Last Levothyroxine dose should be 24 hours prior to test, (taking delayed dose immediately after blood draw).

Is this how you do your tests?

You are legally entitled to printed copies of your blood test results and ranges.

UK GP practices are supposed to offer online access for blood test results. Ring and ask if this is available and apply to do so if possible, if it is you may need "enhanced access" to see blood results.

In reality many GP surgeries do not have blood test results online yet

Alternatively ring receptionist and request printed copies of results. Allow couple of days and then go and pick up.

Important to see exactly what has been tested and equally important what hasn't been tested yet

Ask GP to test vitamins and antibodies if not been done

Private tests are available. Thousands on here forced to do this as NHS often refuses to test FT3 or antibodies or all vitamins

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Medichecks Thyroid plus ultra vitamin or Blue Horizon Thyroid plus eleven are the most popular choice. DIY finger prick test or option to pay extra for private blood draw. Both companies often have special offers, Medichecks usually have offers on Thursdays, Blue Horizon its more random

Low B12 can be linked to acne

[Calends]

Acne is one of the many party favors that come with this condition. I’ll try and send you a link! Wishing you all the best!

[jamesal0]

If you are a celiac or really gluten intolerant, a gluten contamination can cause little red pimples on you trunk and thighs, upper arms .

James

[Sheffield6]

I have a rash with Teva.

[Clarrisa]

I think Synthroid makes me itch. Right now the itching feels generalized. I went to a dermatologist & complained about it but she felt the risk, benefit factors were in my favor to continue taking Synthroid.

I had hoped to be tested for some of the ingredients in it to identify the problem. If I had a visible rash I think she would have been more inclined to perform some tests.

My itching feels worse now because of slacking up on taking fluids after finding mineral water aggravated acid reflex, & having to stop it. I wish I knew the answer.

[jgelliss]

I'm sorry your experiencing this issue . It's possible that the fillers/dyes in your Levothyroxine can be the cause . Sometimes switching to a different brand can make a huge difference .

[HLAB35]

My sister developed hormonal acne in her early forties. She suspects it's due to a milk allergy (she's had tests) so she avoids all dairy now and is lesion free (she also uses very natural beauty products). I do suffer far more these days from reacting to certain chemicals in liquid soaps, shampoos and shower gels - more of a dermatitis problem, but pretty unsightly. These culprits were investigated and still a fair number of major brands continue to use such toxins in their products.

gov.uk/government/news/safe...

annmariegianni.com/ingredie...

Evening primrose taken as a supplement, or applied to the face seems to have a calming effect - I have been using it for years.

Another useful tip is to make sure you are getting some vitamin a in your diet - beta carotene is not the best source when hypo as we are not very good at converting it into retinol (the active form). A sign of vitamin a deficiency is skin lesions.

naturalendocrinesolutions.c...