According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), some of the most common skin problems are linked to the thyroid. They can affect texture, pigment, sensation and function. Some skin problems related to thyroid function can become a syndrome unto themselves or initiate an auto-immune response. So, before you invest in any number of lotions or topical treatments just know the problem may be more than skin deep. It could be buried within your thyroid, a result of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

When the thyroid is over-active, producing more hormones than the body needs, this is the condition of hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is an under-active thyroid. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, you are not alone. This is the most common thyroid problem, affecting about 20 million Americans. The majority are women. It is also an under-diagnosed disease. As many as 60% of those dealing with hypothyroidism are unaware of it.