Definition:
Myxedema (spelled “myxoedema” in British English) is a disorder of the skin and tissue brought about by severe and prolonged hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a disorder affecting both humans and animals caused by the insufficiency of thyroid production by the thyroid gland.
Treatment:
Treatment for myxedema patients can prove difficult. Clinical studies espouse the use of systemic or intralesional glucocorticoids, topical glucocorticoids under occlusion, or high dosage of IV immunoglobulin. More often, myxedema therapy is secondary to the treatment of the original underlying hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Symptoms and Signs:
Myxedema often affects the skin visibly. Common signs are a thickening or coarsening of the skin. The facial appearance of affected patients may visibly change, including a thickening of the nose, swelling of the lips, and puffiness around the eyes. Infiltrations (described as jelly-like) may appear in subcutaneous tissues. The skin may become dried or yellowed.
Additionally, myxedema patients demonstrate slow or slurred speech, lethargy, mental dullness, or experience a variety of mental problems.
Weight gain, constipation, thinning or balding hair, hearing impairments, and carpal tunnel syndrome are also typical symptoms.
Causes:
Myxedema may be caused by both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid conditions. Elevated levels of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate accumulate in the dermis in both lesional and normal skin.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
