Skin Flare Ups

[Levo50]

All my life I’ve had problem free skin especially on my face, basically thin skin which tans easily!

Recently I have had sudden skin flare ups on my cheeks (never in my life have I had this), I can’t pinpoint any change in creams, diet wise I’ve been eating nuts and seeds more than usual but it’s really obvious and I’m feeling very self conscious - I feel like hibernating!

I wondered if anyone has every experienced this or anything similar or has any advice at all?

Do I go for gut health or allergy testing?

Many thanks in advance

[Josephineinamachine]

Hallo there 😊 what kind of flare-ups? I have rosacea which became very problematic around the time of menopause and remains annoying. I guess it might be worth seeing a GP to see what it is, especially if it’s causing you distress? X

[Levo50 in reply to Josephineinamachine]

Hi hope you’re well - I am post menopause, they are small red pimples on each cheek one has a little white head really unsightly, I may ring the GP

[Josephineinamachine in reply to Levo50]

Is your skin on your cheeks flushed as well Levo 50? Or it’s only pimples? Unlikely to be rosacea if you tan easily but slight possibility. I had the classic symptoms of broken veins before it got very bad…if you don’t have those could be more likely hormonal as others have suggested below x

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I think I’m a previous post you said you are taking HRT. I know that skin can change during the peri menopause/ menopause, so it may be hormonal.

Are you still taking 100mcg Levo or did you reduce this? Having optimal thyroid levels is so important and this can also affect your skin.

[Levo50 in reply to Buddy195]

Hi … yes I am taking HRT

I reduced from 100mcg but after my last blood results with FT3 & 4 being low in range I have gone back to 100 off my own back!

[Buddy195 Administrator in reply to Levo50]

I would recheck your thyroid bloods 6 weeks after restarting an increased Levo dose. How are you feeling generally? Is the HRT working for you? This medication may also need a ‘tweak’ to further balance your oestrogen. As radd has outlined, optimising nutrients will help your skin recover from this flare.

[radd]

Levo50,

What are your symptoms? Spots, rash, dry, raised itchy bumps?

Hormones play a huge part in how our skin looks and behaves, balanced oestrogen being the big one that influences collagen production and skin hydration, whereas elevated testosterone can bring spots. Also nutrients such as zinc that helps us heal.

Josephineinamachine mentions rosacea which I weirdly get a type of if I drink wine (bright red, dry, itchy cheeks the next morning). Also had eczema on my knees and toe fungal infections before being optimally medicated.

[Levo50 in reply to radd]

They are red spots on each cheek but so strange and sudden! I also have a rash on my lower back which itches like crazy - I have cream for as it’s autoimmune from Hashis no doubt!

I’ve reduced my Oestrogel from 2 pumps to 1 to see if that helps but seems much the same! I wouldn’t think I have elevated testosterone (if it’s linked to any kind of libido as that’s zilch)

I’ve often thought of zinc but I’m reluctant to just take random vitamins and minerals although I take magnesium at bedtime and vitamin D daily as that’s low

[radd in reply to Levo50]

What about iron levels? Too low can lead to itching.

And are thyroid hormones optimal?

[Levo50 in reply to radd]

Iron levels have always been high, I wouldn’t say thyroid levels are optimal but I’m trialing 100mcg although I wouldn’t feel a sudden change in the skin on my face (cheeks) would come from a change in dose!

[radd in reply to Levo50]

Levo50,

'I wouldn’t feel a sudden change in the skin on my face (cheeks) would come from a change in dose!'

No hormone works in isolation and that dose alteration will be causing multiple other changes. Don't dismiss the power of thyroid hormones.

Your profile says you were medicating 50mcg Levo for 20+ years and although clearly under-medicated you have experienced difficulties in raising thyroxine.

You mention always ongoing anxiety which would tie in with low adrenal reserve compromised through years of propping up inadequate thyroid hormones.

Low cortisol can also be a reason for being unable to tolerate raising thyroxine and apart from being a stress response hormone it is a potent anti-inflammatory that helps prevent both tissue and nerve damage associated with inflammation.

[Levo50 in reply to radd]

Apologies if my reply came across as dismissive in any way - that was not my intention!

In truth on reflection I feel since 2019 when I started the journey from 50mcg (if going by how I feel) I feel worse with skin flare ups, and I feel overwhelmed ever changing diet to make improvements but my body reacts negatively I feel so drained with it all!

As per greygoose bio I have started to read living well with Hypothyroidism by Mary J. Shomon to hopefully learn more and maybe find the correct professional / nutrition support I may be lacking!?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Suggest you get FULL thyroid and vitamin testing done after 6-8 weeks on 100mcg

Do you have autoimmune thyroid disease also called Hashimoto’s diagnosed by high thyroid antibodies?

Have you had coeliac blood test done yet

Or are you already on strictly gluten free diet

Exactly what vitamin supplements are you currently taking

Remember to stop taking any supplements that contain biotin a week before all blood tests as biotin can falsely affect test results

[Levo50 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thank you yes will repeat test in 6-8 weeks.

Yes I have Hashimoto’s

Yes = negative coeliac

I’m not on gluten free - find it near impossible as it’s hidden in almost everything and I love bread

I take vitamin D and Magnesium trialled selenium but saw no difference so stopped

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Levo50]

Well I don’t think anyone would choose to give up gluten, but it is frequently necessary

Loads of excellent GF bread available these days

[nellie237 in reply to SlowDragon]

I've been on a quest for decent GF bread for over a year now.......I can't say any of it is good......but needs must.

I'm sure its better than it used to be though.........like diet drinks. Remember how awful Tab was.. urgh!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to nellie237]

Waitrose seeded brown sliced is delicious …..especially toasted

[nellie237 in reply to SlowDragon]

I agree it is one of the better ones, but its not anywhere near real bread. Tesco finest seeded is similar to the Waitrose. I haven't found a GF loaf that doesn't require toasting before it is barely edible.......yet, and I think I've probably tried most. I live in hope.

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to nellie237]

And hot x buns

[SlowDragon Administrator]

We frequently develop gluten intolerance when hypothyroid

Gluten can cause loads of skin rash/itching etc

Have you had coeliac blood test done

[Levo50 in reply to SlowDragon]

Yes negative coeliac

[Batty1]

Stop eating the nuts and seeds you simply could be having and allergic reaction. Apply cold compress.