Thin, slow-healing papery skin with no elasticity

I'm a 22-year-old female.  Over that past year I've developed stomach and gut problems and have lost a ton of energy, but the most disturbing changes I've experienced are in my skin and hair.  

My hair, eyelashes and brows started falling out about 4 months ago and haven't stopped, and my skin has lost its elasticity, moisture and ability to heal.  This is distressing, as I have bad acne and every pimple I get leaves an indented scar, as well as any scratch I get on my body takes weeks to fade.  

Also, the indented impressions I get in my skin from leaning against something like a pillow or chair or book don't "bounce back" like they should until sometimes an hour later!

I'm going to get tested for thyroid and hormonal problems in a few weeks (know my TSH is 3.4), but I'm wondering if anyone here has any idea what can cause normal skin to basically become old lady skin in a matter of months so I can ask my doctor for specific tests.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be due to thyroid issues, malnutrition or even alopecia totalis. In this there is hairfall of scalp as well as eyebrow and eyelashes. The cause is stress or some autoimmune disease. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.