- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
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Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
Dr. Nippoldt is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He also is involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and sexual dysfunction and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM and the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor for MayoClinic.com, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
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Question
Graves' dermopathy: How is it treated?
What causes Graves' dermopathy? How is it treated?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Rarely, people with Graves' disease develop Graves' dermopathy, a skin condition characterized by red, swollen skin, usually on the shins and tops of the feet. The texture of the affected skin may be similar to that of an orange peel. This condition results from a buildup of certain carbohydrates in the skin — the cause of which isn't known. Doctors may also refer to it as pre-tibial myxedema.
Treatment of Graves' dermopathy is usually directed at the underlying Graves' disease but may also include:
- Cortisone creams to reduce inflammation
- Compression wraps
Early diagnosis and treatment of Graves' dermopathy can improve the chances of successful treatment. Unfortunately, even with successful treatment of the underlying Graves' disease, the dermopathy may still develop, persist and even progress.
Next questionThyroid disease: Can it affect a person's mood?
- Graves' disease. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/graves/Graves.pdf. Accessed April 23, 2009.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 3, 2009.
- Davies TF, et al. Thyrotoxicosis. In: Kronenberg HM, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/138729846-2/0/1555/47.html?tocnode=54106586&fromURL=47.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2911-3..50013-3_849. Accessed May 21, 2009.
