Reprints
A single copy of this article may be reprinted for personal, noncommercial use only.
Graves' dermopathy: How is it treated?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/graves-dermopathy/AN00605
- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd 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.
He's 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's also involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and male sexual dysfunction, and is an assistant professor of medicine at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" and a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM. He's a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society for 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, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
Tests and diagnosis (1)
- Thyroid peroxidase antibody test: What is it?
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
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 pretibial myxedema.
Treatment of Graves' dermopathy is usually directed at the underlying Graves' disease, but treatment of the affected skin 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 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/index.htm. Accessed May 2, 2011.
- 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/191205553-3/0/1555/0.html#. Accessed May 2, 2011.
- Hyperthyroidism. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec12/ch152/ch152e.html?qt=dermopathy&alt=sh#sec12-ch152-ch152e-292. Accessed May 2, 2011.
Find Mayo Clinic on