Hypothyroidism: 6 Dermatologist-Approved Tips to Relieve Dry Skin

Hypothyroidism, or low levels of thyroid hormone, can cause a number of symptoms that may be overwhelming for people who live with the condition — including skin irritations and disorders that can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing.

“Hypothyroidism, in general, causes dry skin, but other skin changes can be seen at times, such as decreased sweating and coarse skin,” explains Matilda Nicholas, MD, PhD, a dermatologist at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina. “These symptoms all occur when the regulatory hormones produced by the thyroid decrease or disappear.” A study of 50 people with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism found that dry, coarse skin was the No. 1 skin symptom reported by participants with hypothyroidism — it affected 100 percent of them.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to manage these symptoms. The skin conditions that affect those with hypothyroidism are often the same that affect those who don’t have the condition, explains Dr. Nicholas. She says, “We typically recommend treating dry skin with the same methods we use for all dry skin conditions.”

Here, experts share their tips for treating and managing dry skin ailments brought about by hypothyroidism:

1. Find the right moisturizer. Unsure where to start? Nicholas recommends heading straight for “scoopable” moisturizers — those that come in a jar or tub rather than a pump. “These tend to be more moisturizing than those that come out of a pump,” she says. “Alcohol and other additives must be used to get the moisturizers to feed well through the pump, which can make them less effective.” Also, check the ingredients list. “I recommend looking for an ointment or cream with ammonium lactate or urea,” Nicholas says. “These are keratolytics, which means that they help dissolve the dead, top layer of skin. This gets rid of flaky ‘alligator skin’ and allows the moisturizers to penetrate deeper in the skin where they can be more effective.”
2. Go mild. When it comes to soaps and body washes, the less irritating, the better. “Use a very mild soap and apply it only to the groin and armpits,” advises Nicholas. “Soap is generally not needed elsewhere and can be very drying. Most antibacterial soaps are especially drying and not generally needed for most people.” In lieu of harsh body washes, opt for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that contain emollients.
3. Keep it simple. Some of the best moisturizers are also the simplest. “I advise patients with very dry skin to use natural oils, such as coconut oil, all over their body immediately after rinsing in the shower,” says Tanya Kormeili, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and a dermatologist in private practice in Santa Monica, California. “Allow it to absorb for a few minutes, and use a towel to remove the excess. This helps seal in the moisture while hydrating the skin with natural fats.” Another great, simple option is petroleum jelly, which often seals in moisture better than creamy lotions.
4. Keep showers short. Showering or bathing too frequently or for too long not only dries out your skin faster but can even increase your risk of developing other skin problems. Cracked skin is a breeding ground for infection-causing germs, and the more you bathe, the thinner and less hydrated your skin becomes, making the risk of open cuts and cracks more likely, says Dr. Kormeili. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping showers short — around five to 10 minutes — and using warm, not hot, water. After showering, gently pat your skin dry with a towel and apply moisturizer immediately.
5. Use a humidifier. While dermatologists agree that it’s best to minimize hand washing, showers, and other kinds of exposure to the use of excessive soap, one thing you should consider using is a humidifier. “Water needs to be present to lock in moisture, and one of the best ways to do that is by placing a humidifier in your room at night,” says Jill Waibel, MD, a dermatologist at the Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute.
6. See a dermatologist. If these steps don’t relieve your dry skin, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist, who can prescribe an ointment or cream that may help. Sometimes over-the-counter options simply can’t relieve excessively itchy skin, which might indicate a skin condition like eczema. “See a dermatologist if your skin is red, flaky, peeling, or itchy,” says Kormeili. “Eczema can be managed by prescription creams to prevent infections in the future.”