To be honest, winter can be awfully brutal. Between the snow or the rain, the dry air, or the tough winds, the winter can cause havoc on your body. This is especially true if your body is fighting a thyroid condition that you don’t even know about.
So while it is perfectly normal to have a bit of dry skin or a couple of bad hair days during this winter, you may be enduring a thyroid condition that needs treatment, especially if your symptoms are persisting and getting worse.
The surgery group of Los Angeles knows how often thyroid conditions go untreated, particularly for people who aren’t sure what thyroid symptoms are like.
To combat this, our thyroid health team has constructed this handy skin, nail, and hair checklist, especially for our readers who need to know when to see your doctor this winter.
Hair symptoms
It’s on your head, and we want to keep your hair looking great so if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Eyebrows may start to thin or go missing entirely around the outer edges
- Coarse brittle hair
- Hair that breaks easily, or even falls out
- Thinning hair or bald patches
While of course, these can be symptoms of other things, like maybe its a subtle sign that you need to spend a little more money on your conditioner but, if you experiencing any of these symptoms talk to your doctor right away
Skin Symptoms
Problems with your skin, are usually the first type of sign you’ll get that your thyroid is not working at its best.
Your skin can start to look:
- Doughy, pale, swollen
- Or in some cases warm and moist like a babies
- Dry skin and leathery skin is the most common
Your skin can start to develop
- goiters – growths around the neck
- A yellowish-orange color on the palms
- Deep noticeable lines and creases
- Slow-healing wounds, or scratches
- Rashes
Due to the weakening of your skin, you may particularly develop:
- widening or swollen noses
- Protruding eyes and eye pain
- Sweating a lot more or less
Yikes, once your thyroid is unable to regulate your skin the way it’s supposed it can cause very noticeable problems.
Nail Symptoms
Your nails can also signify if you have a thyroid problem. What usually happens is your nails will start to look:
- thick, brittle, and dry
- Very visible ridges
- Prone to peeling
- Breaks easily
- Thickening skin and swelling around the nail
If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a thyroid condition.
However, after speaking with your doctor, you can plan blood tests and checkups that will allow you guys to understand what your body is going through. If you have questions about your thyroid, it’s time to speak to your doctor today.
