Cutaneous manifestations of hypothyroidism including purpura and ecchymoses.

Hypothyroidism has distinctive cutaneous manifestations which may be diagnostic. Biopsy and histologic study of the skin may provide a simple and useful tool for diagnosing hypothyroidism. Purpura and ecchymoses, although not often mentioned among cutaneous manifestations of hypothyroidism, occurred in nine of 222 hypothyroid patients at Ochsner Clinic between 1958 and 1972.