Five Most Common Skin Disorders Associated with Thyroid Dysfunction

The thyroid gland constantly releases important hormones into the bloodstream, which help to regulate many cell functions related to metabolism, growth, and development. Thyroid hormones also affect the differentiation of keratinocytes (skin cells), therefore influencing epidermal structure and integrity in order to keep skin healthy. As a result, when the thyroid function is disturbed or malfunctions, skin disorders may develop.

The most common skin disorders associated with thyroid dysfunction include:

1. Acne: 

An under functioning thyroid can cause acne breakouts due to an imbalance of oestrogen/ progesterone levels. ‍A properly functioning thyroid gland creates hormones that are used to convert cholesterol into progesterone. If your body is not producing enough thyroid hormone, your ovaries may not be able to produce adequate levels of progesterone, causing oestrogen excess in the body. This in turn can contribute to acne breakouts and overly oily skin. It may also cause PMS, and particularly painful periods.

2. Alopecia: 

This condition causes hair loss in patches all over the body. Thyroid hormone regulates the production of keratinocytes in the body's outer layer of skin cells called the epidermis. Keratinocytes produce keratin — a protein that provides strength to hair shafts, making them more resistant to breakage. If your thyroid gland is underactive or you’re taking medications that interfere with its function, then alopecia can be a side effect of these treatments.

3. Dry skin: 

Hypothyroidism causes dry skin because it slows down skin cell turnover — the process by which old skin cells die off and new ones form — which means less moisture gets into your skin and stays there longer. As a result, your skin may feel tight and uncomfortable when you're outside in cold weather because

4. Skin barrier dysfunction:

Some skin conditions that affect the health of the skin's barrier have an established correlation to thyroid function. The disruption of the skin barrier is caused by a mutation in a transporter protein (the sodium iodide symporter) that transports thyroid hormone from outside of the cell into its nucleus. Without this essential transport protein, a cell can no longer utilise thyroid hormone and will cease to grow and divide. This causes inflammation in the cell and hence results in a dysfunctional epidermal barrier.

5. Rosacea

Rates of hypothyroidism appear to be higher in people with rosacea. As both Rosacea and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism are autoimmune disorders, it is not uncommon for both conditions to coexist.

For people with thyroid issues, addressing skin health from an immune perspective is essential. Autoimmune thyroid disease is a condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. In these cases, whole-body immune management is necessary, and, as a bonus, can improve rosacea.

Treatment for skin conditions depends largely on what’s causing it. Suppose your problem is hypothyroidism, but digestive problems, nutrients deficiencies, or stress also play a role. In this case, you need to address the underlying concerns as well as supporting the skin. In general, thyroid treatment alone may not be sufficient.