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

Authors

  • Dharmendra Kumar Department of Dermatology, Venerology & Leprosy, Narayan Medical College & Hospital, Sasaram, Bihar, India.
  • Ahmad Nadeem Aslami Department of Community Medicine, Narayan Medical College & Hospital, Sasaram, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4529.IntJResDermatol20163756

Keywords:

Cutaneous manifestations, Hypothyroidism, Xerosis, Odisha

Abstract

Background: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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%).

Conclusions: 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.

Author Biographies

Dharmendra Kumar, Department of Dermatology, Venerology & Leprosy, Narayan Medical College & Hospital, Sasaram, Bihar, India.

Assistant Professor Department of Dermatology, Venerology & Leprosy

Ahmad Nadeem Aslami, Department of Community Medicine, Narayan Medical College & Hospital, Sasaram, Bihar, India

Community Medicine, Assistant Professor

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Published

2016-11-18

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Original Research Articles