Dry skin advice: Hi. I wonder if anyone can give... - Thyroid UK

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Dry skin advice

cheesephetamine profile image
23 Replies

Hi. I wonder if anyone can give me any advice on how to manage my dry skin. I get this weird patches on my belly, buttocks, back and sometimes arms of dry skin that looks like cigarette burns (see pic attached). They flake and peel. I also get eczema on my face, ears and scalp. I would like to know if this is likely to subside with normal levels once my levo kicks in. I have always had sensitive skin but this last two years it’s getting ridiculous!

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cheesephetamine profile image
cheesephetamine
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23 Replies
veryland profile image
veryland

I just switched to a weaker NDT dessicated med and am having an eczema breakout on my shoulders and back................not sure if I am going hypo since I have not had blood tests yet.

Tugun profile image
Tugun

Hi,

See if a skin specialist has any ideas. Maybe it's a different type of eczema or psoriasis? In the last few years, my sister got a rash (different to yours) on her belly and back etc. It disappeared when she cut out certain foods that she had become allergic to and reappears when she doesn't stay away from those certain foods. A skin condition is often a reflection on what is happening inside the body.

McPammy profile image
McPammy

I found I had dry skin when my medication wasn’t optimal.

Even a Dr prescribed medication for my skin complaint that I later realised wasn’t required.

I needed T3 but was only on T4 Levothyroxine at the time. Now I’ve started T3 my skin is clear and smooth. I wasn’t expecting this result. Try checking your bloods and see if the results are optimal.

m7-cola profile image
m7-cola in reply toMcPammy

I had a similar experience. I too was given skin cream when what I needed was T3. Simples!

Britomartis29 profile image
Britomartis29 in reply toMcPammy

This was true for me too.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

When people have skin issues, I often post this link:

dermnetnz.org/

It is a site for skin issues and has numerous photographs. We all know that there is more to it than "looks like" and some diagnoses require biopsies or other techniques. But it is a start.

I suspect most people would think it easier to look on that site themsleves and compare their real skin with the Dermnet photos than for people here to try to match your photo to Dermnet. :-)

Rennixon profile image
Rennixon

That’s psoriasis no doubt about it. The way you describe it is classic. Go to doctor & ask to be referred to dermatology. In the meantime same routine as eczema emollient daily. Try something from the pharmacy especially for psoriasis- not saying it will work but better than the steroid creams the dr may give you. Also start using natural cream and shampoo. Try Caurnie soaperie caurnie.com/epages/95000082... - brilliant nettle products. I’ve used for years. If your levels are off the condition will be worse- one of my warning signs - good luck x

cheesephetamine profile image
cheesephetamine

Thanks everyone

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator

You are currently extremely hypothyroid, looking at your later post

Assuming cause is autoimmune, you will need Coeliac blood test

Gluten intolerance extremely common development with autoimmune thyroid disease

cheesephetamine profile image
cheesephetamine in reply toSlowDragon

I have a very high suspicion my husban might be sensitive to gluten. He is getting a home test this week and if he is positive we will both go gluten free so that could be a good idea. If he is negative ill get tested myself. Any recommendations for home test for me? cheers

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply tocheesephetamine

amazon.co.uk/SELFCheck-Coel...

Might find one cheaper

cheesephetamine profile image
cheesephetamine in reply toSlowDragon

oh that's the one i got hubby! ill wait and see what his results are. I honestly doubt I'm coeliac tho i don't have any symptoms (i think)

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply tocheesephetamine

Suggest you read my profile...I had zero gut symptoms

cheesephetamine profile image
cheesephetamine in reply toSlowDragon

I will try and get the nurse to add the test tomorrow to my bloods (but i suspect she wont, i am myself a gp nurse and I do not add tests my patients ask me to... so... maybe i need to press the GP for the vitamins and coealiac screen)

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply tocheesephetamine

Cheap test here

lloydspharmacy.com/en/selfc...

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply tocheesephetamine

Psoriasis is autoimmune

cheesephetamine profile image
cheesephetamine in reply toSlowDragon

i dont have psoriasis it is most likely eczema

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply tocheesephetamine

Looks like psoriasis

vocalEK profile image
vocalEK in reply toSlowDragon

Could not find that test on Amazon US site. Did find this one:

Gluten ID: DNA Test for Gluten Sensitivity and Celiac Risk

by Targeted Genomics

5.0 out of 5 stars 4 ratings

Price:$95.00 ($0.10 / Count)

Celiac genetics / Gluten intolerence test

Non invasive / Bloodless / Pain free

Recommended for screening at risk family members and those with auto immune diseases.

Highly accurate Cost effective One time test

Medically recognized screening alternative to small bowel biopsy and TTG antibody testing for celiac disease

cheesephetamine profile image
cheesephetamine in reply tovocalEK

i am doing the food sensitivity test by smartblood however i will not send the blood until Tuesday as it is bank holiday on Monday here and i do not want the blood to sit around in the post box for days!

2leapittoo profile image
2leapittoo

I had goitrecremoved approx l year on levo 25 one day 50 next. Right from the start I have what some call age spots. Obvious and worrying mainly down my arms, hand tops and large on chin. They are light brown rough edged quite large. I am 75 yrs had melanoma 7 years ago but these are not dark. Only past 4 months, any ideas why.?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply to2leapittoo

2leapittoo

Just Replied on your own post...your likely under medicated

vocalEK profile image
vocalEK

I had a terrible time with brittle, splitting fingernails. Someone recommended Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides. A scoop dissolves completely when I pour hot coffee over it and has no flavor or after-taste. Supposedly hair, skin, and nails are all impacted by collagen. It has helped my nails tremendously, and my skin is great. It hasn't touched my hair loss, though.

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