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. 2011 Jul;3(3):211-5.
doi: 10.4161/derm.3.3.17027. Epub 2011 Jul 1.

Thyroid hormone action on skin

Joshua D Safer  1
Affiliations

Thyroid hormone action on skin

Joshua D Safer. Dermatoendocrinol. 2011 Jul.

Abstract

The skin characteristics associated with thyroid hormone are classic. The name "myxedema" refers to the associated skin condition caused by increased glycosaminoglycan deposition in the skin. Generalized myxedema is still the classic cutaneous sign of hypothyroidism. It is caused by deposition of dermal acid mucopolysaccharides, notably hyaluronic acid. Despite its appearance, the skin does not pit with pressure.

Keywords: cutaneous; dermis; epidermis; skin; thyroid hormone.

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