Symptoms of Graves' dermopathy include swollen, red skin thats most often on the shins.
Thethyroid glandsits in the front of your neck.
It regulates many hormones and systems in your body.
Verywell / Joules Garcia
When it produces too much thyroid hormone, its calledhyperthyroidism.
What Is Autoimmunity?
Autoimmunity is friendly fire from the immune system.
It then attacks and tries to destroy it.
This causes inflammation, damage, and dysfunction.
This article looks at the symptoms and possible causes of Graves dermopathy plus how its diagnosed and treated.
Sometimes, Graves dermopathy can be a sign of undiagnosed Graves disease.
Causes
Graves dermopathy is believed to be part of the autoimmune reaction in Graves disease.
In this disease, the immune system targets cells that bind tothyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH).
These cells sometimes appear in the skin, so the immune system attacks them there.
Progression
Typically, Graves dermopathy shows up in advancedthyroid disease.
This most often means the disease has been untreated or under-treated.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism usually develop first.
Later, Graves ophthalmopathy may appear, then Graves' dermopathy.
However, tests can confirm the diagnosis.
However, you may choose to treat it because you dont like how it looks.
With treatment, 58% of severe cases went into partial or complete remission.
Freqeuently Asked Questions
What Causes Graves' Dermopathy?
The autoimmune target of Graves' disease is cells that bind to TSH.
That causes the immune system to launch an attack on those cells.
Can Pretibial Myxedema be Cured?
Pretibial myxedema can’t be “cured” in that it’s certain you’ll never have it again.
However, most cases do go into remission on their own.
If yours doesn’t, then treatment can help clear it up.
What is Thyroid Storm?
Thyroid storm requires emergency medical attention.
What Are Thyroid Hormones and What Do They Do?
The hormones produced by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
T3 is the active form.
That way, the right amount of T3 is in the right place at the right time.
Summary
Graves dermopathy is a rare skin condition experienced by some people with Graves disease.
Its usually present on both sides and most common on the shins or the tops of the feet.
Doctors may diagnose it based on a previous diagnosis of Graves disease and the condition’s distinct appearance.
They may also order a skin biopsy and blood tests.
Several treatment options are available, including corticosteroids, physical therapy, surgery, and medications.
A Word From Verywell
If you suspect Graves dermopathy, have your doctor look at it.
You dont have to live with the symptoms.
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