[43F] Experiencing severe dry skin and systemic symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Scleroderma: A group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. Scleroderma can cause changes in the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. It can lead to skin changes (such as hardening, shiny areas), difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, and Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers or toes turning white or blue in response to cold or stress).

  • Treatment of scleroderma is directed towards managing the symptoms and can include medications to dilate blood vessels, suppress the immune system, reduce stomach acid, and relieve symptoms.

• Psoriatic Arthritis: A form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. This condition can cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling, as well as changes in the nails (such as pitting or separation from the nail bed) and general fatigue.

  • Treatment of psoriatic arthritis can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and immunosuppressants.

• Hypothyroidism: A condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.

  • Treatment of hypothyroidism typically involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

Please note that these are potential diagnoses and further evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

What you can do

1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or endocrinologist, for further evaluation.
2. Keep a symptom diary. This can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms better and identify any patterns or triggers.
3. Continue to use thick creams to manage your dry skin. Avoid bathing in hot water as it can dry out your skin further. Instead, use lukewarm water and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.
4. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. This can help manage your symptoms and improve your overall health.

What you should look out for

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms
• You have difficulty swallowing or breathing
• You experience rapid weight loss or gain
• You have persistent pain in your joints or muscles

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.