Heal your thyroid

A dysfunction of the thyroid glands can lead to a multitude of problems and difficulties that could even take a beating on one’s self esteem. Here are few tips to take care of skin and hair

Lifestyle diseases are on the rise, with thyroid disorder being one of the most common and treatable ones. About 200 million people in the world have some form of thyroid disease. The repercussions of it may be damaging, but it certainly is not an untreatable condition.

Thyroid dysfunction is essentially an imbalance in the production of the thyroid hormones, which are released by the pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism is said to affect between 3-10 per cent of adults, with a higher rate of incidence in women and the elderly.

According to various studies, it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases. There are 5 common types of thyroid disease: (1) hypothyroidism, (2) hyperthyroidism, (3) goiter and iodine deficiency disorders, (4) Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and (5) thyroid cancer.

A dysfunction of the thyroid glands can lead to a multitude of problems and difficulties that could even take a beating on one’s self esteem. Some tell-tale signs of thyroid disorder are firstly, when there is a sudden gain or loss in body weight.

Hair loss or reduced growth of hair is the next important sign to remember. Also a common complaint is of the skin getting tanned very quickly and easily upon exposure to sunlight. The tanning will also be persistent. Unwanted hair growth for women is yet another symptom indicative of thyroid problems.

Tips to take care

• Taking thyroid medication
• Following up with treatment every 6 months

For skin

• pH balance needs to be adjusted by using a cleanser that makes the skin less sensitive
• Sunscreen above 25 SPF should be applied every 4 hours
• Oral antioxidants should be taken to help rejuvenate the skin
• Any products bought, such as moisturisers and cleansers, should be carefully checked to be pH balanced and alcohol and paraben free
• Go for skin-friendly treatments by a trusted dermatologist

For hair

• Hair fall needs to be stopped as soon as possible
• Switch from a regular store-bought shampoo to a hair cleanser. Shampoos damage the hair easily
• Get adequate nutrition by chomping down on green leafy vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants

Overall, it has been proven, that considering the nature of this dysfunction, exercise and diet helps greatly. Managing one’s body weight is crucial for someone suffering with the same. Weight should not fluctuate and a person cannot afford to be overweight. For this, a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise on a daily basis is expected.

With inputs from Dr Pallavi Reddy Consultant Dermatologist. Kosmoderma Skin Hair and Laser Clinics, Bangalore.