Can Hashimoto's disease worsen rosacea?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 35 and have been dealing with rosacea for the past eight months, and it is getting worse every day! My face is constantly red, especially on my cheeks and nose, with tiny bumps that look like acne but never go away. At first, I thought it was just sunburn, but now the redness never disappears, and my skin feels like it is burning all the time. Lately, I have noticed visible blood vessels on my face, and my eyes have started feeling gritty and irritated too. I tried over-the-counter creams, but nothing has helped.

My job requires me to present to clients, and I am so embarrassed about my appearance that I have started canceling meetings. My triggers seem to be spicy foods, red wine, and hot showers, things I used to love! Three weeks ago, my primary doctor prescribed Metrogel, but it makes my skin so dry that it peels and burns even more. I also have Hashimoto’s and wonder if that could be related. My thyroid levels are TSH 4.8 and T4 0.9.

What treatments would you recommend for someone with an autoimmune condition? Does laser therapy work for this, or is it just a waste of money?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand that your job requires you to present to clients, and dealing with this issue can be incredibly stressful.

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. As you mentioned, rosacea could be linked to your Hashimoto’s, as autoimmune disorders can make the skin more sensitive and prone to flare-ups. Possible causes of dry skin could be due to an autoimmune-related issue or a side effect of Metrogel (Metronidazole), which often causes dryness, redness, and sometimes even worsens acne.

Recommendations:

Topical treatments: Continue using Metronidazole along with a good moisturizer. If dryness persists, consult a dermatologist about switching to other treatments like azelaic acid or retinoids. Additionally, using sunscreen can help reduce skin damage.
Oral medications: If symptoms persist, switching to oral treatments like Doxycycline may be a better option.
Laser therapy: This can be effective in reducing redness and visible blood vessels. However, potential side effects include initial itchiness, irritation, and high costs. With repeated sessions, results can become more noticeable.
Hashimoto’s management: Even if your thyroid function tests are only mildly elevated, consult your endocrinologist. Adjusting your medication dosage may help alleviate some of your dermatological symptoms.
Avoid triggers: Identify and minimize exposure to known triggers.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Thank you.