itchy skin

[Netno]

Hi everyone I’m new here but was wondering if anyone has any info on itchy skin I was diagnosed with under active thyroid around 20 years ago, I’ve had bouts of itchy skin for years never realising that it could be a symptom of my condition. I get little pinprick style spots at times or just an irritating itch on my arms and back of my shoulders ever really anywhere else but it drives me nuts and mainly only at night when I’m in bed causing me to not being able to sleep. Also is there any connection with chronic kidney decease and thyroid function as I have recently been told I have this and my go wanted to put me on statins. I refused the statins as overall I’m a very healthy person I don’t drink, smoke I go to the gym I lift weights and I eat mostly healthy. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[greygoose]

Itchy skin is one of the symptoms of low thyroid, and I've had it for years. The itching can occur anywhere on me.

There is also a connection between hypo and kidneys, but I don't know the details.

Why does your doctor want to put you on statins? Statins/cholesterol have nothing to do with kidneys. Cholesterol is made in the liver. But, if yourse is high, then your FT3 is more than likely too low - have you ever had that tested? Cholesterol levels have nothing to do with drinking, smoking, going to the gym or healthy eating. It's low T3 that stops the cholesterol being processed correctly in the body, so it builds up in the blood. But, it won't do you any harm.

[Charlie-Farley in reply to greygoose]

Hi    Netno

Links to two sections that caution in the NHS’ own guidelines.

nhs.uk/conditions/statins/c...

nhs.uk/conditions/underacti...

There’s also increasing evidence that the scatter gun “lets get everyone on statins” is not paying off - its having a cancelling out effect. It’s not for everyone.

   greygoose is right they look at TSH AS THE CAUSE but it is not. The thyroid hormones cause things and the TSH reacts. That said, it is not reliable - it is an indirect measure produced in the pituitary and it is not always ‘in sync’ with the thyroid. Looking at the actual thyroid hormones gives a far better idea of what is going on.

Below is a summary in plain speak of a paper that shows treatment of hypothyroidism reduces hypothyroidism. The reference to the full article is in the body so you can look it up. It backs up the NHS guidelines 😊

Treating hypothyroidism decreases cholesterol levels

thyroid.org/patient-thyroid...

[JackyGT]

I have exactly the same problem. I have been hypo for about 15 years and for the last few I keep getting small patches of itchy skin, mainly over my torso, no obvious sign of any spots, although if you run your hand over the area you can just feel very small bumps. The itching drives me bonkers, especially at night, as you say. I sometimes use Eurax cream on the area and it sometimes help. I have been to Gp about it and they say it’s probably dry skin and prescribe moisturising cream but it’s defo not that as it’s only in small area that are regularly moisturised. Always wondered if it was due to hypo thyroid.

[Charlie-Farley]

just found this

It is a summary in plain speak of a paper that shows treatment of hypothyroidism reduces hypothyroidism. The reference to the full article is in the body so you can look it up. It backs up the NHS guidelines 😊

thyroid.org/patient-thyroid...

[RedApple Administrator in reply to Charlie-Farley]

C-F Please add the paper title or similar info so that members know what to expect if they click the link.

[Charlie-Farley in reply to RedApple]

Sorry RedApple . Amended 😊👍