When you think of skin, people generally don’t think about the thyroid gland. But the two are closely related.
If not enough thyroid hormone is produced, then dry itchy skin, along with cracks in the fingertips and hands (especially in winter) can be a consequence.
Thyroid dysfunction is when the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, produces too much thyroid hormone. This is when you body’s endocrine system speed up, which is referred to as hyperthyroidism. When there is too little thyroid hormone being produced it is called hypothyroidism this is when the body’s system slows down. If your thyroid gland is not working properly, neither will you.
How Your Thyroid Gland Works Imagine that your thyroid is a car engine. The thyroid is what sets the pace that your body operates. The functioning of the skin depends on the general status of the body and it is controlled by hormones like the thyroid. Hair growth particularly depends on thyroid hormone. The actual thickness of the skin depends on thyroid function.
Overall the most common problem associated with thyroid disease is dry skin associated with hypothyroidism. This is worse in the winter with low humidity and is aggravated as we get older.
Over activity and under activity of the thyroid gland may result in alterations in skin, hair and the nails.
Thyrotoxicosis overactive thyroid gland causes:
• Smooth, moist, warm skin
• Flushing of face and hands
• Overgrown nails
• Fine soft thinned scalp hair
• Itching
• Increased skin pigmentation
Hypothyroidism underactive thyroid gland causes:
• Cold, pale and dry skin
• Delayed wound healing
• A yellowish hue to the skin
• Sparse, brittle hair which comes out in handfuls
• Slow growing ridged and brittle nails
• Puffy eyelids and hands
Treating the underlying thyroid dysfunction can help cure the skin problems resulting from hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones govern your body’s metabolism, sensitivity to other hormones and protein synthesis. These hormones also play a vital role in the condition of your skin by affecting the amount of moisture in the skin.
Can Thyroid disease be prevented? There are several things you can do to reduce your chance of thyroid problems.
Reducing stress, yoga, mind-body techniques all can play a part in preventing some autoimmune problems like thyroid disease.
Stop smoking, smoking can damage the thyroid and can also further damage existing thyroid issues.
Drink bottled water, Fluoride in water, and other existing toxic chemicals are among the many substances in water that may trigger or worsen the risk of thyroid problems. Consider drinking purified or bottled water.
Reduce your Soy intake. Too much soy is not healthy and has been linked to increased risk of thyroid disease.
Reduce Iodine intake. Too little iodine has been an increasing problem in the United States, increases your risk of hypothyroidism or goiter, but excessive iodine intake can also affect the thyroid.
The Sun, aging, smoking and environmental factors all take their toll on our skin. Wrinkles, rough, dry weathered skin can often be rejuvenated by non-surgical means. Facial Esthetique carries its own custom formulated Private Label skin rejuvenation products. Facial Esthetique our medically directed skin care clinic offers a full menu of rejuvenative skin care services . We can help you turn back the hands of time to healthier, youthful skin. Whether you have been recently diagnosed with a thyroid condition or have suffered with thyroid disease long term Call today for your free consultation to getting your healthy beautiful skin back.
Additional tips for healthy skin
Try to get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night
Drink lots of water every day aim for 8 to 10 glasses.
Sugar and alcohol are very aging. They are dehydrating, deplete your body of antioxidants and promote free radical damage in your body.
Eat an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruit and drink raw vegetable juices. The antioxidants in fresh produce will minimize free radical damage to your skin. Free radicals speed up aging.
Wishing you have a Happy Healthy New Year!