Hypothyroidism Warning: Skin Changes That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

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22 per cent of people experience abnormal thyroid functions at some point during their lives. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid - one of the most common hormonal disorders worldwide. While symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance are widely recognised, changes in the skin are often among the earliest and most visible warning signs. Since the symptoms on the skin appear gradually, many people dismiss them as weather-related or cosmetic issues, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

Hypothyroidism in the skin

Hypothyroidism, or low levels of thyroid hormone, can cause a number of symptoms that may be overwhelming for people who live with conditions that include skin irritations and disorders that can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing.

Dry and pale skin

In hypothyroidism, the skin tends to be pale both because of the dermal mucopolysaccharides and the dermal water content. In addition, you will find skin to be pale due to decreased dermal carotene prominently in the palms, soles, and nose.

Lumps on skin

Hypothyroidism also causes prominent lumps and patches, which are painless and discolored skin that feels hard and waxy.

Rashes

An underactive thyroid can cause chronic hives. The main symptom of these rashes is round, swollen pink welts that appear anywhere on your skin, especially the face. The hives are often very itchy.

Itchy skin

Much like hair follicles, skin cells are also characterized by rapid turnover. Therefore, they are also sensitive to losing growth signals from the thyroid hormone.

Bald patches

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism causes loss of hair, which is diffused and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

Puffiness on the face

When the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, it can cause facial swelling and bulging eyes. Thyroid hormones control essential body functions such as breathing, digestion, body temperature, and heart rate.

Slow-healing wounds

In hyperthyroidism, wound healing is delayed. The number of DNA-synthesizing connective-tissue cells decreases, causing the cell cycles to become shorter.

Hair thinning

Although hair is not skin, hair changes often occur alongside skin symptoms. Hypothyroidism can cause diffuse hair thinning, meaning hair becomes sparse across the entire scalp rather than in patches. Eyebrow thinning, especially at the outer edges, is also a known sign.

When should you seek medical advice?

According to experts, skin changes alone may not confirm hypothyroidism, but when they occur alongside symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, or sensitivity to cold, they should not be ignored. A simple blood test measuring thyroid hormone levels can confirm the diagnosis.