Thyroid and Rash

[abbytabby1980]

My mother has been told she has Hypothyroidism.  She has been on levothyroxine since early February.  She has had a rash since beginning the medication.  Her GP sent her to a Dermatologist who has determined nothing external is causing the rash and told her to go back to her GP. it started on her arms legs, back and stomach and is now getting worse - it is now on her scalp, goin area, under her breasts and bottox. Mom is also anxious, depressed, suffering brain fog and putting on weight. I called her GP yesterday to see what we can do for Mom and was told she should take some zanex and calm down,  She would not let me describe any symptoms and told me to take her to the emergency room since she has no time to see her. I am flying out tomorrow am and will be taking her to the emergency room since no one is able to see her for 2 weeks.  What questions do I ask to try to get some answers?  Mom is miserable - itching constantly and need direction on getting this resolved so we can get her better. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Many Thanks.

says the rash is caused by anxiety and when I spoke to the doctor yesterday, she said she need to take some zanex and calm down, she is over reacting.  

[shuga1109]

I know definately that the depression can be caused by the thyroid disease.  Ive had it for 17 years.  Yes, definately get her levels tested.  They fluctuate just like a diabetic, but not as often.  I have to get my levels tested every three months because my levels for some unknown reason, go up and down and I take my meds on an empty stomach faithfully every day.  My first thought was the medication.  Levothyroxine is the generic brand of synthroid.  Some people get side effects from generic medication.  I don't know who much of this is true, but that's what I've heard.  Also, they need to check on other meds that she is on to see if one is counteracting with the other.  Since having this disease for 17 years, Ive had extremely dry skin, and my skin has gotten pailer over the years.  I was dark and now am about three shades lighter.  I can tell you it has not been easy with this disease.  Insomnia is a big one and the depression and weight gain.  She has to try to get some control.  Its not easy.  Im thinking her levels are off because as soon as I forget a dose, I am crying uncontrollably and can't stop.  I also begin headaches and nausea. but, I can't eat when its off.  I lose weight.  People are different.  Hope this helps some.  Good luck.  

[a1961mark]

Hypothyroidism can cause Psoriasis among other things.  A dermatoligist can help with this.  I have both and use some topical medications which have worked for me.

[Med2Corie]

I have reacted negatively to both Synthroid and dessicated pig thyroid (THYROID in Canada).  Both have sent my blood pressure through the ceiling.  On THYROID it went as high as 200 sys and on Synthroid 195.   I am working now with my doc to reduce and take me off all thyroid meds and I plan to migrate to kelp (iodine extract) and if necessary L-tyrosine to boost my T3 production.  I also have a bright red facial rash which migrated to my neck.  Blurring of vision and headaches are also side affects.  In 2002 the AMA lowered the entry level to hypothyroidism scooping up 50 million formerly borderline thyroid problems.   This certainly boosted the market for the medical moguls but placed a number of people on meds that do not need them.   I am also highly prone to allergies as are others who seem to be reacting to this.  Other than a pure L-Tryptophan I have taken for 30 years from a kosher lab with no fillers....I do not take any drugs.   These meds caused my high blood pressure and the THYROID med also gave me high blood sugar that went away after reducing the med.   I am curdrently on 75 mcg of Synthroid...was on 100 mcg until last week.   My blood pressure has dropped from 175/102 to 128/75 in the first few days of reduction.   Amazing.  

[gimel]

I'm not sure what amount of testing you can get through the ER, but somehow, somewhere, I would get her tested for FT3, FT4 (not total T3 and total T4), along with TSH, and the thyroid antibodies, TPO ab and TG ab.