Dry skin, brittle nails, and coarse hair observed on examination indicate which thyroid state?

Dry skin, brittle nails, and coarse hair observed on examination indicate which thyroid state?

• A. Diabetes mellitus
• B. Psoriasis
• C. Hypothyroidism
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Answer: (C)

Low thyroid hormone slows many body processes, which shows up in skin, nails, and hair. When the thyroid isn’t providing enough hormone, skin becomes dry and rough, nails tend to become brittle, and hair can become coarse and thick-looking due to slower hair follicle activity and reduced moisture. These particular findings aren’t typical of diabetes or psoriasis, and hyperthyroidism usually causes warm moist skin and hair thinning rather than coarse hair. So the pattern best fits hypothyroidism.

Low thyroid hormone slows many body processes, which shows up in skin, nails, and hair. When the thyroid isn’t providing enough hormone, skin becomes dry and rough, nails tend to become brittle, and hair can become coarse and thick-looking due to slower hair follicle activity and reduced moisture. These particular findings aren’t typical of diabetes or psoriasis, and hyperthyroidism usually causes warm moist skin and hair thinning rather than coarse hair. So the pattern best fits hypothyroidism.