hives-like rash with hypothyroidism

[2ndBaby]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroid about 10 years ago.  At the time of diagnosis, I had a red rash all over my legs and torso.  In time that went away, but over the course of years I've developed a skin condition similar to hives.  They appear nearly anywhere, but rarely on my face or scalp.  Have any of you ever experienced anything like this?  Do you think it is associated with my thyroid?  Over the years I've changed laundry detergents, soaps, etc...I use every hypoallergenic product I can find.

Any ideas?

[aef79]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism two years ago and have been having awful itchy rashes with red bumps that come and go, it's very random.  The rash usually starts on my stomach right under my breasts and right now both legs, behind knees, right arm, hands and even back and thighs are all rash covered.  I have no idea what is causing this, I don't have it all the time and I always use the same soaps and lotions so I don't think it's that.  I've wondered if it's related to gluten or dairy but finding this forum makes me think its related to the 75 micrograms levothyroxine I'm taking. I've been to my dermatologist and my primary care physician about this rash in the past and they just told me it was probably an allergy or atopic dermatitis.  I don't know what to do about the rashes, I feel like my family and my doctors think I'm crazy for bringing it up all the time but it's painful, annoying and makes me self conscious which I'm usually not.  I just want the rashes to go away!  

[KathrynTsh]

Hi. I have Graves and am currently going through insane itchy rashes that seem to be related to my hot flashes.  The Graves seems to make everything essentially on overdrive. Dr. Told me worst time for symptom flare ups is during puberty, pregnancy and menopause... What a roller coaster. Hang in there

[kitizan]

Thank you!    Now I know what is going on.  Just started Synthroid in January and was 6.4.  Then down to 2 but the last test showed it was too low so he cut my med by 1/3.    Now I have developed itchy hives on my scalp and on my legs and back.    Dr. here I come.

[Ag999]

I agree with Gimel. Typically once they put you on meds, they test only for TSH. Your body may not convert T4 to T3. I have hashimoto thyroid and had chronic hives for a year. They checked my other thyroid values and I didn't have enough T3. My body was not converting T4 to T3. They put me on compounded T4/T3 and my hives went away.

[gimel]

Why did they reduce your dosage?   Was it based on TSH only?   If so that doesn't work.  TSH is a pituitary hormone that is affected by so many variables that at best TSH is only an indicator, to be considered along with more important indicators such as symptoms, and also levels of the biologically active thyroid hormones, which are Free T3 and Free T4 (not the same as Total T3 and Total T4).   When already taking thyroid meds TSH is almost useless to monitor thyroid status.

Before going any further, please post your thyroid related test results and their reference ranges.  Also, what hypo symptoms are you having?

[S_Slaughter]

hi i found out about 4 years ago that i had hypothyroid and i had never heard of it i was having very heavy periods and horrible skin out breaks so i went in to the doctor they tested me for lots of things and turned out  my level was a 235 she was surprised i was getting around as good as i was. I also gained 70 in a 3 month period. I was down right sick. While i was pregnant with my son (now 9 months old) i was put on 300mcg of levothyroxine and the whole time i was pregnant my skin was amazing it didnt itch there where no bumps or blisters but now i got bumped down to 200mcgs and everything is bad again this is a horrible fight and its hard to deal with.