When the thyroid gland, the glands situated on each side of the neck, malfunction and under-produce the hormone thyroxine, it leads to a lot of health issues like weight gain and fatigue. Other than that, it also dries up the hair and the skin. Other than thyroid glands malfunction, the main causes of hypothyroidism are heredity, autoimmune diseases, pituitary and hypothalamus glands malfunction, a loss of tissue, anti-thyroid antibodies in the system, stress, and certain medications.
Dryness caused by hypothyroidism results in rough, painful, irritable, and itchy skin and if not taken seriously, it can lead to wrinkles at an early age, cause cracks that can lead to secondary infections, and also make the skin more prone to eczema and fungal infections. It also makes the skin appear dull and lifeless and results in an aged look.
To treat dryness of the skin caused by hypothyroidism, the patient has to not only take care of the skin but also treat the thyroid problem from its root. The sufferer can massage the skin with coconut oil every day. Washing the skin with warm water instead of cold water and patting it dry instead of rubbing with a towel will seal the moisture in the skin more effectively. It would also help to apply a moisturizer when the skin is still a little moist. Applying a mix of ½ tablespoon honey and 1-2 tablespoons of rose water also treats dry skin. Honey is a natural moisturizer and rose water brings relief from irritation. Another effective remedy is applying cool oatmeal on the affected skin and rinsing it off after approximately 30 minutes. This must be followed by an application of aloe vera gel on to the area, and the skin must be allowed to absorb it. The patient can use this remedy as often as he experiences irritation on the skin.
It's important to keep the skin hydrated by drinking at least 10 glasses of warm water every day. The person must avoid washing the skin with hot water as it strips the moisture away. To treat hypothyroidism, the sufferer must consult a doctor. He must consume green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, vegetables, potatoes, lentils, peas, and nuts and seeds. Physical exercise, low caloric diet, and avoiding unhealthy food stuffs like greasy food, condiments, tea and coffee, soft drinks, alcohol, white flour, and refined sugar is also beneficial. One must also avoid physical, emotional, and mental stress at all times.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.