CLINICAL SPECTRUM OF CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF THYROID DISORDERS IN PATIENTS ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
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Keywords
Thyroid disorders; Hypothyroidism; Hyperthyroidism; Cutaneous manifestations; Hair changes; Nail changes
Abstract
Background: Thyroid hormones exert significant effects on the skin, hair, and nails. Cutaneous manifestations are often early indicators of thyroid dysfunction, yet their prevalence and patterns in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are underreported. The present study was conducted to evaluate the clinical spectrum of cutaneous, hair, and nail manifestations in patients with thyroid disorders and correlate these findings with biochemical thyroid profiles.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 100 patients with thyroid dysfunction (50 hypothyroid, 50 hyperthyroid) attending a tertiary care hospital. Demographic data, detailed dermatological examination, and laboratory investigations (T3, T4, TSH) were recorded. Cutaneous, hair, and nail findings were documented and statistically analyzed for correlation with thyroid hormone levels using Chi-square test and Pearson correlation.
Results: Hypothyroid patients commonly presented with xerosis (76%), pallor (62%), facial puffiness (56%), coarse hair (66%), and brittle nails (44%). Hyperthyroid patients showed warm, moist skin (68%), hyperpigmentation (52%), palmar erythema (48%), fine hair (54%), and onycholysis (36%). Significant correlations were observed between thyroid hormone levels and dermatological features (e.g., xerosis with elevated TSH; warm moist skin with elevated T3/T4; p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Cutaneous, hair, and nail manifestations are frequent and often distinctive between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Early recognition of these features can prompt timely thyroid evaluation and management, highlighting the importance of dermatological assessment in thyroid disorders.
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Dr. Subramanya Swamy M
Associate Professor, Department of DVL, Viswabharathi Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Dr. Nooka Harish kumar Reddy
Assistant Professor, Department of DVL, Viswabharathi Medical College, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh