Eczema and thyroid?

[Pottypotter]

Hello, I've only been diagnosed with hypothyroidism for a year now. A couple of months ago I noticed a couple of red patches on my thigh, where i have some varicose veins and now these red itchy patches have appeared on the back of my knees. I've never had eczema (which is what this appears to be) before and was wondering if this has appeared as a result of having an underactive thyroid. Has anyone else experienced this type of skin issue since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism?

[BadHare]

I've never been officially diagnosed as hypothyroid despite most usual symptoms, so have to self-medicate. I had excema on my shins every winter, & both peri-oral & orbital dermatitis from 1979 until I started thyroid medication six years ago. Lots of other skin conditions cleared up, & I can now tolerate an hour or so of summer sunshine without burning. I no longer have cracked heels or plantar keratosis. I don't have to apply lip balm twice hourly, dry lips being my first noticeable sign I need a medication increase before temperatures drop in winter. I had to ration NDT a few years ago, so topped up T3 to a similar dose. All my skin conditions returned, plus worse ones as every skin fold developed excema & even my softest clothing & bed linen hurt. I'm not sure which of the additional hormones in NDT or glandular supplements that are responsible for these skin benefits, but hope never to be without again. Perhaps that's something you could try to see if it helps you.

[Pottypotter in reply to BadHare]

Interesting but I dont know how to alter the levothyroxine I take, its one pill that controls all three thyroid levels. I am based in the uk and this seems to be the way we ate all treated here. Where do you live?

[BadHare in reply to Pottypotter]

I'm in the UK, too.

There are often posts about people's reactions to different brands of medication due to the fillers, the other ingredients labelled on the box, that pad out the active ingredient. You could ask your GP to precribe a different brand to see if it agrees with you better.

[Pottypotter in reply to BadHare]

Good idea. My only worry is that GPs have such limited knowledge about hypothyroidism. Its all so general. I went to see a so called private specialist recently and he seemed no more knowledgeable than the GP!!

[Sem74 in reply to Pottypotter]

Because they all act by nice guidelines not by knowledge ,that is what limits them.they can not do certain blood test because of what guidelines say,for example it's essential to get tested thyroid antibodies ,t3 ,T4 for someone who is already diagnosed /suspected hypothyroidism,but nice guidelines does not say so ,they can not do it.checking TSH alone is not a proper thyroid function check unfortunately.I'm sure it has been a battle for people who suffers from thyroid disease

[Arlie123 in reply to Pottypotter]

Interesting but I dont know how to alter the levothyroxine I take, its one pill that controls all three thyroid levels.

Forgive me if you know this but Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of just one hormone - T4. T4 is converted in the body to T3. Some people that don’t convert well take additional t3. When extra thyroid hormones are taken the pituitary naturally suppressed tsh (the messenger which instructs how much t4 to be produced). Ndt contains both t4 and t3 (and possibly other ingredients I’m not sure).

There are different brands of Levothyroxine which use different fillers and some people react to these fillers. Either way it’s worth starting a new thread with your most recent blood tests and people maybe able to make some suggestions for any lingering symptoms or issues.

[Pottypotter in reply to BadHare]

Its funny because I never had much wrong with my skin before my diagnosis but the things you used to have before you took the thyroid medication, which have now cleared up, are the things I am experiencing since i started taking the thyroid medication. It doesn't make sense!

[BadHare in reply to Pottypotter]

It might not be the T4, but the other ingredients. Which brand did your pharmacy give you?

These are some of the posts about reactions. You might find some help reading the replies.

[Pottypotter in reply to BadHare]

Levothyroxine

[BadHare in reply to Pottypotter]

Levothyroxine is the active ingredient, but different brands have different fillers.

[Pottypotter in reply to BadHare]

The brand is called NorthStar

[BadHare in reply to Pottypotter]

I've seen that mentioned, but don't pay full attention as I don't take levothyroxine. You could change your post's title or post a new question about "Northstar & developing eczema" to see if you get more specific answers from people who have tried that brand, & also which ones might suit you better. I've read some people need to have a specific brand written on their prescription to avoid generic medication that causes allergies.

[BadHare in reply to Pottypotter]

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

[greygoose in reply to Pottypotter]

I think NorthStar is the distributor, not the brand. It seems they pack different brands in their own packaging, so it can be difficult to know which brand you have. You could try asking the pharmacist, or taking a photo of the pill markings and posting it on here (in a new post) and ask if anyone knows.

But, of course, I could be wrong…

[Pottypotter in reply to BadHare]

How do i search for the posts you mention?

[BadHare in reply to Pottypotter]

Sorry, I copied but forgot to paste:

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

There's a search HealthUnlocked box at the top right of the webpage. You can search a topic then choose which forum to look at.

[NoUserNameIsNotUsed in reply to Pottypotter]

I also never had problems with dry skin or eczema when I was hypo and untreated or when I was on NDT only, but a year ago T4 was added to NDT and immediately I developed horrible eczema on my eyelids that make my eyes swell with pieces of dry skin hanging off my lids. I’ve tried three different brands of Levo all with the same result. I’m allergic to acacia so Synthroid and the generic that is available through insurance (US) is out.

This is one of several health problems I’ve developed since starting Levo. I don’t tolerate T3 very well and I’m a great converter, so this seemed like the best option to add T4 to NDT but my eyes are just awful. Have nerve problems now too which started a month after starting Levo.

I haven’t tried Tirosint so I might try that.

[waveylines]

It could be the fillers as others have said but have you checked to see if you are optimally treated for your hypothyroidism? I think its more likely you are under treated. One of the symptoms is dry skin, excema is a more extreme form of dry skin.

Your GP is most likely prescribing by your TSH result, many GPs are happy if this is in range but ine reality it should be under one. Secondly you really need your thyroid hormone levels checking, Ft4 & Ft3 which should be in the top third of the ranges -vary from individual so should also be based on how you feel, signs & symptoms. However the nhs rarely does these, though you maybe lucky & get your ft4 done. The other option is private testing.

[Agica]

Hello Pottypotter, I have the same syntome 6years before after I try the gluten free and sugar free diet now just eat and keep the gluten free diet any red and itchy spot dissappear

[Pottypotter in reply to Agica]

Mine symptoms have appeared even though I am gluten and dairy free

[africa75 in reply to Pottypotter]

I am also dairy free and limit gluten ... am on Levothryoxine (T4) and Liothryonine (T3) ;

personally have had reactions to the fillers in the Levo (acacia filler specifically) and thus don't use generic/ contract manufactured brands and purchase Euthyrox/ Merck through a private prescription (some countries - such as Spain one doesn't need a script for Euthyrox and I've seen it sold online too) ; so perhaps check the fillers and ask for different brand of Levo...

[Pottypotter in reply to africa75]

Did a GP recommend that you take these, I am interested in finding out how you chose these medications?

[africa75 in reply to Pottypotter]

I've seen a private endocrinologist... ; no support from the GP/NHS Endocrinologist

[Booblet]

Hi,

I suffer from Excema. Are you by any chance going through perimenopause or menopause? Apparently, anyone with allergies suffer a lot more: Your alegens are more sensitive and reactive.

I formation got from well known Doctor on TV.

My Excema has really got so much worse since perimenopause... It was more or less clear before.

In relation to your thyroid issue, I also have under active thyroid (controlled by NDT (natural Designated Thyroid).

Kind Regards,

Booblet

[Pottypotter in reply to Booblet]

How do you find the NDT and why did you decide to use this rather than the usual thyroxin drug? Do you have to get this privately or is it on the NHS?

[Kajaa]

I have had the same - eczema after starting to take Euthyral with hypothyroidism. It lasted for some 6 months. After using Elidel cream it has disappeared for now.

[Pottypotter in reply to Kajaa]

Hi, I have been using Protopic ointment which is similar. It has worked a little but not made it go away.....

[Dragon1b]

I would definitely make an appointment with your Endo , could very well be a sign of myxedema , I had similar on my ankles and upper arms and that’s what my endo diagnosed , hopefully not , you may just need your meds changed , but always best to get checked out ,

Best of luck 👍🏻

[bennyandsadie]

I am just now being tested for thyroid issues but I too have red scaly red patches on my legs where I have varicose veins. The autimmune protocol diet is working but if I ever go off ot the patches worsen and get inflamed.

[Pottypotter in reply to bennyandsadie]

Thats interesting. I am on the Low fodmap diet as I have IBS, which is also related to hypothyroidism.....not sure if I could run both diets at once....there wouldnt be alot left to eat!!

[Aimee527 in reply to Pottypotter]

Hi Pottypotter,

I too have eczema and IBS. I recently discovered that my genetic makeup indicates that I have trouble breaking down histamine, which, for me, causes eczema, IBS, lung issues and headaches from general swelling. I don’t understand everything, but I do know that I have fewer symptoms when I don’t take my full dose of synthroid. My theory is that my body has become over reactive and produces a lot more histamine when I am not hypothyroid. It’s unfortunate, but I use my hypothyroidism as an “out,” and I don’t take my full dose to avoid headaches due to swelling. In this way, I am not allowing my body to do the over reacting that it wants to do.

Good luck!

[Morning_gl0ry]

Hi Pottypotter, may I suggest using aqueous cream for washing with and as a moisturiser instead of any soap products as this sounds like varicose eczema. I would guess it’s more in relation to your varicose veins than to do with thyroid levels. My husband had the same thing for a while and eventually got his veins dealt with as a result of seeing the doctor for the eczema, might be worth a try!

[I-love-pink]

I have been diagnosed with eczema and it correlates to my hypothyroidism. As I increase my medication my skin is improving. Mine seems to correlate to low thyoirf function. I definitely react to gluten and sugar but didn’t have this before removing my thyroid.

[momindenver]

I believe eczema is yet another side effect of hypothyroidism. Also, I think in hypothyroidism, food intolerances are common, and these are also linked with eczema. Best wishes with sorting things out!

[Hidden]

Hello

The thyroid affects every part of the human body, including the skin. It can cause the PH balance to become out of sync and eczema to appear. I myself suffer from an unusual form of eczema called 'pompholyx'. This required light therapy at the local hospital, but once I came off the levothyroxine and started NDT, it cleared up. That is not to say, that I still dont get episodes, especially when I am run down or very stressed, but compared to how my skin used to be, it is vastly improved.

As some of the people here said, it could also be down to the fillers.

You need to also be very much aware of the products you are using. Try to go as organic / natural with skin care as you can. I know it is expensive, but the less toxic ingredients on your skin and in your system the better (wine and chocolate are excluded from this list

Hope this helps a little.

CatPaws

[london81]

i understand eczema is linked to autoimmune. have you tested your antibodies to understand if you have autoimmune thyroid/hashimotos? it’s really the most common cause of what doctors call underactive thyroid ( without explaining to people the root cause). everyone in my family who has eczema has hashimotos. mine reduced a lot when i started hoovering daily, dusting with wet cloth, using a sensitive soap and creaming my skin daily, using non bio wash powder and also reducing stress and getting rid of carpets- alongside getting my hashimotos under control by tackling my vitamin levels and taking NDT ( 5 years later i should add it’s not happened quickly).

i notice recently i’ve moved into a dustier house and mistakenly using wrong wash powder was a mistake i’m covered in eczema. i had to wash in aqueous cream today and take an anti histamine. stress also causes me to get hives and eyes swell up. i’m sure there is a root cause in the gut- i will hopefully find it one day!

[hyundaisantefe]

Yes! I have it in my head neck and hands and on the ends of my toes and fingers as well. It seemed like it didn't happen until after my thyroid was taken out. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and had surgery and had it removed. Suddenly months after becoming hypothyroid the eczema. appeared

[humanbean]

My own eczema - a condition I've had for over 50 years - has responded very well to me keeping my vitamin B12 levels very high (way over the range). When I started supplementing my eczema actually got worse for a few weeks but then started getting better. It's now about 90% improved from what it was, and the entire condition has become almost trivial.

[BigBrownBear]

Hi Pottypotter,

I also started with eczema bi-laterally on both legs when my thyroid condition (Graves Disease) started 23 years ago.

It has come back in the past year and half, which ties in with some thyroid-related changes/autoimmune flare-up that happened exactly at the same time.

I recognized the twin patches on my legs as being the same as the patches that initially appeared.

I am going to get myself some adrenal support and then try NDT. (May I suggest Dr Barry Durrant Peatfield's Book 'Your Thyroid and How to Keep it Healthy). I have it out from the library currently.

He explains how various systems are linked in the body, and talks of the various symptoms of thyroid disorder.

Yours in eczema, lol

Bigbrownbear

[Hoops501]

Hi, I have hypothyroidism and really only just read up on some of the symptoms recently, one of which is extremely dry flaky skin and another is lumps and boils I have extremely flaky dry skin on my face, but also have acne rosacea (really attractive), so like you, I'm now not really sure where one starts and the other finishes ? I don't have boils but rosacea will give you spots and sore lumps under the skin.

Sorry I can't offer you any help or advice on this necessarily because I am just starting to explore what I can do with my own issues, but would be happy to share whatever I find.