[Skin and hair, marker organs for thyroid diseases]

S K Fistarol1

  • 1Dermatologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsspital Basel. bohns@bluewin.ch

Praxis
|July 12, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Thyroid hormones significantly impact skin, hair, and nails. This review details how various skin changes, both specific and unspecific, can indicate thyroid disease, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pathology

Context:

  • Skin, hair, and nails are sensitive indicators of thyroid hormone levels.
  • Thyroid dysfunction frequently manifests with dermatological symptoms.

Purpose:

  • To review specific and unspecific cutaneous changes associated with thyroid diseases.
  • To highlight the diagnostic significance of skin lesions in thyroid disorders.

Summary:

  • Discusses thyroglossal duct cysts and cutaneous metastases of thyroid carcinoma.
  • Details unspecific cutaneous changes in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
  • Covers typical skin lesions in Grave's disease and associated syndromes.

Impact:

  • Enhances understanding of the skin's role in thyroid disease diagnosis.
  • Provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing thyroid-related dermatological conditions.
  • Emphasizes the importance of dermatological examination in endocrinology.

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