Cutaneous manifestations of thyroid disease.

Of all the endocrinopathies that may have cutaneous findings, thyroid disease is probably the one most likely to be seen by the practicing physician since the skin readily reflects the functional capacity of the thyroid gland. Cutaneous findings may be the only clue to otherwise silent thyroid disease. Skin changes may precede other clinical and laboratory evidence of thyroid malfunction by months or years. Thus, the skin not only aids in the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction, but also helps the physician select those high-risk patients in whom thyroid abnormalities may later develop.