Skin discolorations caused by Hypothyroidism

[Cindy210]

I had a partial thyroidectomy in January 2010. I was placed on Levothyroxine three months following the surgery. Shortly thereafter I started to see white spots developing on my face in the area of my jawline. I assumed it may be sundamage as I am 53 years old. Not a sun worshiper but have had exposure in my teenage years. Now wear sunscreen daily and have been for many years. Recently, I have noticed that the white spots are progressing up onto my cheeks. Can you tell me if thyroid conditions and/or medication for hypothyroidism may cause this condition? Thank you

[jjones770]

Hi Cindy,

I have the same type of discoloration (and am also fair-skinned). Redheadaussie is right, mine is vitiligo. Were you diagnosed with Hashimoto's or Grave's at any point? I have Hashimoto's, which is slowly killing my thyroid and making me progressively hypothyroid. Hashi's and Grave's are autoimmune disorders, and my endo told me when you have one autoimmune disorder, you're much more likely to have another, like vitiligo.

You might want to ask your doctor/endo about it. And read up on autoimmune disorders - there are many more out there to be aware of if you may be at a higher risk. Hope that helps!

[jjones770]

Hi Cindy,

I have the same type of discoloration (and am also fair-skinned). Redheadaussie is right, mine is vitiligo. Were you diagnosed with Hashimoto's or Grave's at any point? I have Hashimoto's, which is slowly killing my thyroid and making me progressively hypothyroid. Hashi's and Grave's are autoimmune disorders, and my endo told me when you have one autoimmune disorder, you're much more likely to have another, like vitiligo.

You might want to ask your doctor/endo about it. And read up on autoimmune disorders - there are many more out there to be aware of if you may be at a higher risk. Hope that helps!

[redheadaussie]

Hi it sounds  like it could be  vitiligo which can happen even in fair skinned people. If you look at wikipedia you will see images of more extreme cases, so don't think it may not be what you have
The other thing to think of is; has your surrounding skin darkened slightly and the white spots are actually marks from your childhood, like acne marks, chicken pox marks etc, which are becoming more obvious.

Both these conditions are autoimmune responses, and at our age (yes I am heading up there too!) our bodies start to show wear and tear.
It is highly unlikely to be a hypothyroid issue, rather an autoimmune response or a simple skin disorder.
  If your skin starts to become very tanned looking then do get medical help as soon as you are able. Liver disease and Addison's disease are two of the main causes of that happening, NOT white spots though as I have already discussed.

[Barb135]

I have never heard of this being a symptom of hypothyroidism, but I'll not rule anything out completely.  Neither of I heard of this as a result of medication, but again, I wouldn't rule it completely.  Different manufacturers of levo, put different fillers in their medications and some people have reactions to them.  You might check with your doctor or a dermatologist on this; there may be some other condition causing this.