Wrinkled Fingertips and palms

Had half of my thyroid taken out in June 2011.  A month ago my arms and legs started wrinkling.  I got moisturizers that seem to help.  Now my fingertips look like I have been in water all day.  I searched internet and started drinking 8 glasses of water (64 oz) a day.  Nothing Changed.  Moistuizers at night work but as soon as I get my hands wet again at all.. Back to prune fingers.

TSH tests came back normal in September.  Had Hormone levels checked. Normal   Blood count was low in Vit " D" so am taking 2000 IU a day of vitamin D.

Could this be my thyroid going south? Just need to know where to turn.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Thyroid hormone deficiency can often cause dry coarse skin. The mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day.You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

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