Evaluation of general and cutaneous manifestations of hypothyroidism: a single center experience in Odisha

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Endocrine diseases may induce manifestation through the skin. Hypothyroidism is known to cause a wide range of general and skin manifestations. Dermatologists may commonly see skin disorders that reflect an underlying hypothyroid state. The objective of the study was to evaluate varied general and cutaneous manifestations of hypothyroidism.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A hospital based descriptive clinical study was conducted in the department of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy, MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, Odisha. Diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism were included as the study subjects. An informed consent was taken from each patient. Institutional ethics committee of the college approved the Study.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> 320 patients of hypothyroidism were evaluated. Maximum patients 115 (35.9%) were among 31-40 years of age group. Male to female ratio was 1:5.7. The percentage of hypothyroid patients who complained of constipation, fatigue, Cold intolerance, weight gain and neck swelling was 75.0%, 57.2%, 50.9%, 35.9% and 31.9% respectively. Among females, 54.5% were having irregular menses. The most common cutaneous symptom was dry course skin (75.9%), followed by diffuse hair loss (50.9%), puffy oedema (48.1%), decreased sweating (11.9%) and yellow skin (9.1%). The most observed cutaneous sign was xerosis (66.9%), followed by alteration in skin texture (55.0%). Some patients showed more than one cutaneous signs. The most common hair changes in our patients were diffuse hair loss (55.9%), followed by course scalp hair (29.4%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The interaction between hypothyroidism and skin is of profound clinical importance. So, dermatologists need to be alert of the ways in which these two organ systems interact, so that early diagnosis and management of hypothyroidism may ensue.</p>

Cutaneous manifestations of hypothyroidism: An observational study in a tertiary care center of Eastern India

“…The observation of similarities between age groups in various studies may be due to the normal prevalence of thyroid disease. [4][5][6] The ratio of males to females in our study was 1.0:6.4. This observation of female preponderance may be due to an increased association of autoimmune disorders in females, with autoimmunity being an important cause of hypothyroidism.…”

“…This observation of female preponderance may be due to an increased association of autoimmune disorders in females, with autoimmunity being an important cause of hypothyroidism. 4,5,7 A history of first-degree relatives with hypothyroidism was present in 34.5% of patients. Family history of hypothyroidism has not been included in any other studies known to us.…”

“…As there is a hemodynamic alteration in the body due to a deficiency of thyroid hormones, there is a reduction of cutaneous circulation, which may result in cold sensitivity. 4,5 Hypothermia is due to a hypometabolic state, which causes reduced core temperature and reflex cutaneous vasoconstriction. 1 Weight gain was present in 23.5 % of cases in our study.…”

Clinical study of skin manifestations of hypothyroidism at a tertiary hospital in North Kerala

“…Muhammed et al and Kumar et al have noted comparable findings. 5,6 Diffuse hair loss and brittle nails were the commonest hair and nail changes noted respectively. This is similar to findings by Philip et al and Kumar et al 3,6 Associated conditions commonly seen were melasma, urticaria, alopecia areata and vitiligo.…”

“…5,6 Diffuse hair loss and brittle nails were the commonest hair and nail changes noted respectively. This is similar to findings by Philip et al and Kumar et al 3,6 Associated conditions commonly seen were melasma, urticaria, alopecia areata and vitiligo. Similar observations were made by Haritha et al and Muhammed et al 4,5 Purpura was noted in 3% of cases.…”