What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism commonly causes dry skin. Hypothyroidism is the deficiency of thyroid hormones in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. It can disrupt things such as heart rate, body temperature, and all aspects of metabolism. It affects the skin by causing swelling and redness on the face known as myxoedema. Hypothyroidism is most prevalent in older women.
What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
Symptoms are not something that is born overnight some small hints are always given by your body which we mostly neglect thinking that they will cure themselves by the course of time? Its symptoms are born due to the bad functioning of thyroid glands.
Some symptoms that help in tracing hypothyroidism are –
- Skin changes: most common skin changes are puffiness or swelling due to a build-up of fluid in a deep layer of the skin which can lead to swollen lips, hands, legs, face, and eyelids.
- Skin becomes dry, cold, and pale. Sometimes you don’t sweat at all, and your palms and soles can become thick and dry. Wounds often heal slowly.
- Hair loss (body and scalp): thinning and loss of hair. They are more prone to breakage. The scalp becomes dryland, hair loss at the front and back of the head.
- Eyes: puffiness below and above eyes. Difficulty in focusing., vision becomes inconsistent. Swollen and drooping eyelids, poor night vision eyes become dry.
- Lips: outer corner turns downwards.
- Voice: husky and hoarse voice. A tendency to have sensation in the back of the throat which results in a small, dry cough.
If you notice any of these changes in your skin, talk to your doctor there is nothing to feel shy or scared about. If taken seriously it can be treated easily. It can be one of the possibilities of having hypothyroidism. Testing is simple and you’ll know the answer in a few days. Effective treatment options are available. Often over many weeks or months of treatment, you will see steady improvement in the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails.
What causes Hypothyroidism?
The main cause of hypothyroidism is the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.
Healthy skin is influenced by hormones and specifically depends on the thyroid hormone for things like hair growth, skin, lips, and other things. When thyroid function is altered, then many changes can be noticed in our bodies. It can wreak havoc on the skin. Sometimes it is hard to cope with some of the changes in our appearance but there are some small steps that we can take that can make a big difference in how we look and feel.
What is the treatment for hypothyroidism?
While waiting for your thyroid hormone levels to normalize, there are also some easy precautions you take at your home to help combat some of the most common—and annoying—symptoms that you are facing currently.
- Hydrate: Water is the best way to prevent your skin from drying.
- If you have very dry skin, wash your face only once, at night, and use cool water to rinse.
- Don’t use hot water while showering—this removes the natural skin oils instead of this use warm water and moisturizes directly after showering.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which tend to dehydrate the skin and contribute to swelling.
- Healthy diet: Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine.
- Reduce eye swelling: with the help of cold compress or cool cucumber slices.
- Splash your face with cool water in the morning at the sink to help with the swell.
Some of the questions that may arise in many brains are –
Ques. Is it rare to have hypothyroidism?
Ans. No, it is not rare to have hypothyroidism. In the States, every 5 people out of a hundred suffer from hypothyroidism.
Ques. Is it fully curable?
Ans. Yes, it is fully curable if consulted by a certified doctor and if proper treatment is taken.
Ques. Does it affect our skin?
Ans. Yes, most of its symptoms are recognized by looking at the skin only, like swelling and redness on the face which is known as myxoedema.
Ques. How much time does it take to be cured?
Ans. It depends on how much serious it is and the time prescribed by the doctor to complete the treatment depending on its stage.
Ques. Does it affect our day-to-day activities?
Ans. Yes, it can affect your day-to-day life by making you feel tired, problems with your vision, and hearing.
Ques. What are its most common symptoms?
Ans. Its most common symptoms are, to have swelling and redness on the face.
Ques. Can it be cured at home?
Ans. If it is not too serious then it can be cured at home by taking some precautions mentioned above but then also it is always safe to consult a doctor.
Ques. Does it change our face?
Ans. Yes, as its symptoms are mostly observed on the face swelling and redness are mostly seen which tends to change the face.