Intended for healthcare professionals

What thyroid disease can do to the skin, hair and nails

Thyroid hormone is required by all metabolically active cells and, therefore, thyroid disease has widespread effects on all organ systems. The skin, hair and nails are no exception and thyroid disease can manifest itself in various guises. Hypothyroidism is the most common pathological hormone deficiency in humans. The incidence of hypothyroidism increases with age and it is more common in women; the largest epidemiological study in the UK showed a prevalence rate of 1.9% in the female population and 0.2% in males.
Dermatology in practice 2009; 17(1): 26–27
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