pruritus ( itching ) in hyperthyroidism ( thyrotoxicosis )

Last reviewed 01/2018

• pruritus and alopecia may be a presenting features of hyperthyroidism
• a retrospective study of 236 thyrotoxic patients seen in the thyroid clinic was undertaken
  • 18.65% of these patterns had one or more dermatological complaints at presentation
  • there was no specific difference in this group of patients when compared with the general hyperthyroid population with regard to age, race, sex, duration of hyperthyroidism or biochemical indices of thyrotoxicosis
  • the two major complaints were itching and alopecia
    • the prevalence of pruritus was 6.4%
    • the prevalence of alopecia was 2.6%
    • these symptoms cleared quickly when these patients became euthyroid. However there were other patients who noted hair loss with anti-thyroid medications

Reference:

1. The prevalence of skin manifestations in thyrotoxicosis--a retrospective study. Med J Malaysia. 1989 Dec;44(4):324-8.