Resolved question:
Hi, I'm an 18 year old male and have a load of symptoms which I think underly a problem. Here are my symptoms.... Extremely dry skin all over body (Have to moisturise everywhere, everyday) Have had this dry skin problem since birth and has never shown signs of going away. My natural skin tone is lost, I look pale and unhealthy! If I take off my jumper I see loads of dead skin fall off and the same when I wake up, there is a load of dead skin on my sheets. Since my skin is always dry, I sometimes get worse patches on my arms, legs or the side of my body which turn red. I was treated for eczema a load of times. Extremely dry hair which shows lots of flakes! My hair is very thick and is GREYING! My hair is very black and when I look in old photos when I was young it used to be a light brown.. I get really bad blushing phases. As in when somebody even talks to me my face could go bright red, or even if I just walk into a hot room my face goes boiling hot! I get fatigued very easily, and it feels as if my immune system is not working. I am very prone to colesores, colds and sinus problems. I get sore joints and stiff muscles. Hands, Knees, Toes, Ankles. When it gets cold these get worse. It sometimes seems like I cant handle the cold. Due to all these symptoms my whole teenage years have been really difficult. I am going through strong periods of depression in despiration to find out what is wrong with me. I have been doing alot of research online and one thing that I came across was that maybe I have a thyroid problem?? Whenever I go to my doctor all he does it prescribe me some ointment for my skin, which does nothing in properly preventing my dry skin! I am a typical teenage boy who wants to start living a happy and healthy life, please help!
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Endocrinologist
Hello
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
I can understand your concern.
Yes, a thyroid disorder is one of the considerations.
However, I would suggest that you send me a picture of the skin on your arms and legs, trunk and scalp.
That would help me understand the severity of your condition and what it really is.
Thanks
What about the other symptoms? Do you think I have a thyroid problem?
Hello
Thanks for the pictures.
You surely have an extremely dry skin. With the history of recurrent cold that you provided, you seem to be having atopic dermatitis and mild ichthyosis as well.
I would recommend the use of oat meal baths, thick Emollient creams thrice a day in slightly wet skin. You should not rub the skin dry thoroughly and preferably avoid showers.
Also use of tacrolimus lotion will be helpful to you in getting your condition under control.
You will need a prescription for it.
Hope my suggestions are helpful to you.
Please let me know if you have any queries.
Take care
Hello,
Yes, I forgot to add.
There could be an underlying thyroid disorder. It will be best to get the levels checked .
Hope this was helpful,
Regards.