Cutaneous Manifestations of Hypothyroidism: An Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Center of Eastern India

The study conducted on 200 patients with primary hypothyroidism in Eastern India found that cutaneous manifestations such as altered skin texture, dry skin, generalized pruritus, urticaria, and skin pigmentation are common indicators of hypothyroidism, often appearing before biochemical diagnosis. Hair changes were noted in 39.5% of patients, with diffuse hair loss in 17.5%. The study highlights the importance of considering hypothyroidism in patients presenting with these skin conditions, as early identification and treatment can reduce long-term morbidity. The study also noted a significant female predominance and a family history of hypothyroidism in 34.5% of cases.