A spectrum of dermatological manifestations associated with hypothyroid condition – A pilot study

BACKGROUND: Hypothyroidism, a major health problem, is associated with a wide range of diseases. One of the organs affected by hypothyroidism, which shows a wide range of clinical signs, is the skin. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine various cutaneous manifestations of hypothyroidism that can be used as a diagnostic marker and may help in the early diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 100 consecutive diagnosed cases of hypothyroidism patients in the dermatology department of a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru during June 2021–September 2021. A pretested standard pro forma was used to collect and maintain the details of the patients. The study was ethically approved by the institution. RESULTS: The majority were female (84%) and patients' age ranged from 16 to 65 years, covering all groups with 31% having comorbidities. Seventy-one percent had pruritus and 14% with urticaria, 13% with palmar and sole hyperkeratosis, 3% with burning skin symptoms, and 5% with cold skin symptoms. The majority (38%) had pruritus as an early symptom. Pruritus symptom patients were categorized into mild pruritus (25%) and moderate pruritus (75%). A significant number of patients presented with hair changes in the form of dry brittle hair in 50 patients and with other associated skin conditions which included 20 patients with melasma, 10 patients with seborrheic dermatitis, eight patients had acrochordons, four patients had vitiligo, five had polymorphic light eruptions like lesions, three patients had lichen planus, and two each had psoriasis and acne vulgaris. CONCLUSION: The present study was undertaken to know the spectrum of dermatological manifestations associated with a hypothyroid condition. It was observed the female sex, pruritis, and hair changes were common in these patients. Recognition of hypothyroidism is important to ensure that appropriate treatment is provided at the earliest, thus preventing complications.