{"id":13394,"date":"2024-10-10T04:23:51","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T12:23:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/?p=13394"},"modified":"2024-10-10T04:24:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T12:24:06","slug":"what-is-pretibial-myxedema","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/what-is-pretibial-myxedema\/","title":{"rendered":"What is pretibial myxedema?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"13394\" class=\"elementor elementor-13394\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-c01a372 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"c01a372\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3a65349\" data-id=\"3a65349\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-149ceb1 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"149ceb1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/2-women-sitting-on-ground-LIxwIyTcISM\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-13395 lazyload\" alt=\"Close-up of 2 human legs\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-13395 lazyload\" alt=\"Close-up of 2 human legs\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/eduardo-barrios-LIxwIyTcISM-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/noscript>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"widget-image-caption wp-caption-text\">\u00a9Eduardo Barrios on Unsplash<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3b9a2a8 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3b9a2a8\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-a3b0877\" data-id=\"a3b0877\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cebca6a elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"cebca6a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-72aedef elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"72aedef\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-ab5aa72\" data-id=\"ab5aa72\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1c4356 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a1c4356\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before we talk about \u201cpretibial myxedema\u201d, let\u2019s first try to understand what it really means with a layered, bottom-up explanation, starting with <\/span><b>edema<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, then <\/span><b>myxedema<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and finally <\/span><b>pretibial myxedema<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An <\/span><b>edema<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> refers to the swelling caused by the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues of the body. It can occur anywhere but is most commonly seen in the limbs. When swelling involves not just fluid but also the buildup of complex sugars and proteins, it is known as <\/span><b>myxedema<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Another thing that makes myxedema a more specific form of swelling is that it is often associated with thyroid dysfunction.<\/span><\/p><p><b>Pretibial myxedema<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, also known as <\/span><b>thyroid dermopathy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>infiltrative dermopathy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a rare skin disorder primarily associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases, particularly Graves\u2019 disease. It manifests as localized skin thickening and swelling, typically occurring on the skin area over the <\/span><b>shinbone (tibia)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the leg, hence the name. Pretibial myxedema is generally not life-threatening. However, depending on its severity and the extent of skin involvement, it can lead to several concerns such as physical discomfort and cosmetic concerns.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rest of this article will answer the following questions about this condition:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#causes\">What are the causes of pretibial myxedema?<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#risk-factors\">Who is at risk for pretibial myxedema?<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#symptoms\">What are the symptoms and general appearance of pretibial myxedema?<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#stages\">What are the stages of pretibial myxedema?<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#diagnosis\">How is pretibial myxedema diagnosed?<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#treatment\">How is pretibial myxedema treated?<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#prognosis\">What is the general prognosis of pretibial myxedema?<\/a><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"#other-myxedematous-conditions\">How different is pretibial myxedema from other myxedematous conditions?<\/a><\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-a4cc231 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a4cc231\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-76dab86\" data-id=\"76dab86\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9a3de9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a9a3de9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-02453ff elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"02453ff\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5bd89ef\" data-id=\"5bd89ef\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-755a380 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"755a380\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"causes\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Causes of Pretibial Myxedema<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-113bd2e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"113bd2e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact cause of pretibial myxedema isn\u2019t entirely understood, but it is tied to the autoimmune response associated with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/hashimotos-thyroiditis-vs-graves-disease-a-comparison-of-the-two-main-autoimmune-thyroid-disorders\/#:~:text=What%20is%20Graves%E2%80%99%20disease%3F\"><b>Graves\u2019 disease<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In this condition, the body\u2019s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hyperthyroidism. Additionally, the immune system targets other tissues, including the skin and connective tissues, resulting in the accumulation of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/glycosaminoglycan\"><b>glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, mainly <\/span><b>hyaluronic acid<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in the skin\u2019s dermis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Graves\u2019 disease, the immune system produces antibodies called <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/hashimotos-thyroiditis-vs-graves-disease-a-comparison-of-the-two-main-autoimmune-thyroid-disorders\/#:~:text=Antibody%20involved%20in%20Graves%E2%80%99%20Disease\"><b>thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSHR-Ab)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These antibodies can target the thyroid gland, causing it to produce excess thyroid hormone. However, they can also bind to receptors in skin cells, particularly in the lower legs, which triggers the accumulation of GAGs in the skin. These large molecules attract water, leading to swelling and thickening of the skin, the hallmark signs of pretibial myxedema. The same mechanism causes the inflammation seen in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroid-eye-disease\/\"><b>thyroid eye disease (Graves\u2019 orbitopathy)<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, showing how the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroid-and-your-integumentary-system\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thyroid and skin are interconnected<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in this autoimmune process.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from the accumulation of hyaluronic acid, there is also an increase in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.genome.gov\/genetics-glossary\/Fibroblast#:~:text=Definition,the%20structural%20framework%20of%20tissues.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fibroblasts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which are the cells that produce <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/collagen\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">collagen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/publications\/dictionaries\/cancer-terms\/def\/extracellular-matrix\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">extracellular matrix<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which also contribute to the overall thickening of the skin. Additionally, the blood vessels in the affected area often appear dilated, and there is sometimes a sign of mild inflammation. This combination of increased GAGs, fibroblast activity, and vascular changes leads to the characteristic appearance and feel of the skin in pretibial myxedema.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-036e6e9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"036e6e9\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-87aacec\" data-id=\"87aacec\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc56e09 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"fc56e09\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6cc078c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6cc078c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4b1b4bf\" data-id=\"4b1b4bf\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-370a3b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"370a3b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"risk-factors\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Who is at Risk for Pretibial Myxedema?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cf9b602 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cf9b602\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pretibial myxedema is most commonly found in patients with Graves\u2019 disease, with an estimated occurrence in about 1-4% of people with this thyroid disorder. However, the risk is higher in individuals with more severe forms of Graves&#8217; disease or those who have had thyroid eye disease. This condition is more common in middle-aged adults, and women are at a higher risk due to their greater susceptibility to autoimmune thyroid conditions. Interestingly, pretibial myxedema can also appear in patients with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/ders\/fulltext\/2019\/37030\/a_case_of_pretibial_myxedema_associated_with.11.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hypothyroidism<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, although this is also <\/span><b>rare<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Generally, this condition is not commonly reported in individuals without a history of thyroid disease.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-65caf7b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"65caf7b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c123c19\" data-id=\"c123c19\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-471f747 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"471f747\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-cf7e02b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cf7e02b\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9e4fd66\" data-id=\"9e4fd66\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cbd51dc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cbd51dc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"symptoms\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Symptoms and Appearance of Pretibial Myxedema<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0040946 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0040946\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pretibial myxedema presents with distinct symptoms, primarily affecting the skin on the shins, although it can occasionally spread to the feet, ankles, or other parts of the body. As already mentioned, the most notable changes include thickening and swelling of the skin, often described as having a \u201cwoody\u201d texture and a \u201c<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">peau d\u2019orange<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d (orange peel) appearance. The affected area may become raised and bumpy, with a lumpy or nodular appearance.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The skin\u2019s color often changes to a pink or purple hue, and some individuals may notice a waxy sheen. The skin can feel tight or stiff, and in some cases, patients experience itching or discomfort. Unlike other forms of edema, pretibial myxedema does not result in pitting (an indentation when pressed). In advanced cases, the condition may lead to large plaques or even <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jhsmr.org\/index.php\/jhsmr\/article\/view\/42#:~:text=Elephantiasic%20pretibial%20myxedema%20is%20an,and%20the%20treatment%20is%20challenging.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">elephantiasis-like swelling of the legs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, though this is <\/span><b>rare<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f401a91 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f401a91\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8bcad3e\" data-id=\"8bcad3e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0757942 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"0757942\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-43441a5 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"43441a5\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c88c164\" data-id=\"c88c164\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd71742 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"fd71742\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"stages\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Stages of Pretibial Myxedema<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-8a6e3a1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"8a6e3a1\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-971d7e0\" data-id=\"971d7e0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fcd7f96 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fcd7f96\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pretibial myxedema can develop in stages, ranging from mild to more severe forms. In the early stages, symptoms may be subtle, with slight skin thickening or discoloration. As the condition progresses, nodules and plaques may form, leading to more noticeable cosmetic and physical changes. When pretibial myxedema becomes severe, the elephantiasis-like swelling (mentioned in the previous section) can lead to mobility issues and discomfort.<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Early stage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The skin may appear slightly thickened with mild discoloration.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Moderate stage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Nodules or plaques form, with noticeable swelling and texture changes.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Severe stage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Extensive skin changes with severe swelling and discomfort.<\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent progression to more advanced stages.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a30bfd4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"a30bfd4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4197b7e elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4197b7e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"diagnosis\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Diagnosis of Pretibial Myxedema<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab5d6c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ab5d6c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diagnosing pretibial myxedema involves a combination clinical evaluation and a thorough medical history, particularly focusing on any history of thyroid disease. A visual examination of the affected skin, along with palpation to assess the texture and degree of swelling, is often sufficient for an initial diagnosis.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In cases where the diagnosis is unclear, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of mucopolysaccharides (GAGs) in the dermis. Additionally, imaging tests such as ultrasound may help assess the extent of tissue involvement.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important for doctors to differentiate pretibial myxedema from other conditions that cause skin thickening and swelling, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/lymphedema\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20374682\"><b>lymphedema<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/cellulitis\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20370762\"><b>cellulitis<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/24388-venous-stasis-dermatitis\"><b>venous stasis<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. A strong association with thyroid disease, especially Graves\u2019 disease (based on the detection of antibodies specific to Graves\u2019), often points towards pretibial myxedema as the underlying cause.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e53422 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"3e53422\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f7ff1f3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"f7ff1f3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"treatment\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Treatment Options for Pretibial Myxedema<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa98fbb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fa98fbb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treating pretibial myxedema requires a multifaceted approach, as there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for this condition. Obviously, managing the underlying thyroid disease is the necessary first step, but the skin condition itself often requires direct interventions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the general treatment and management approaches:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Thyroid function management<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Proper control of hyperthyroidism or other thyroid conditions associated with Graves\u2019 disease can help prevent the worsening of pretibial myxedema. This can be achieved through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/taking-thyroid-medication\/#:~:text=%C2%A9%20ThyForLife%20Assets-,Medication%20for%20hyperthyroidism,-The%20most%20common\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">medications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (antithyroid drugs), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/radioactive-iodine-therapy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">radioactive iodine therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/thyroidectomy-101-t\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thyroidectomy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (surgical removal of the thyroid), depending on which treatment is recommended by your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Topical corticosteroids<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: High-potency corticosteroid creams or ointments are often used to reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected areas. These creams are usually applied under occlusion (covered with a dressing) to enhance their effectiveness.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Immunomodulatory therapies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: In more severe cases, immunosuppressive medications like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/emedicine.medscape.com\/article\/210367-overview?form=fpf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30854936\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rituximab<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or cyclosporine may be prescribed to control the immune system\u2019s overactivity and reduce symptoms.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Compression therapy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Compression stockings or bandages may help reduce swelling in the legs. This treatment is often combined with topical therapies to enhance their efficacy.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Innovative treatments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: For more resistant cases, emerging treatments such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ijdvl.com\/response-to-topical-halcinonide-following-fractional-carbon-dioxide-laser-pretreatment-in-a-pretibial-myxedema-patient\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">laser therapy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (fractional carbon dioxide laser) or the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6172446\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">injection of hyaluronidase<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (an enzyme that breaks down excess GAGs) are being explored. These therapies aim to improve the skin\u2019s appearance and reduce discomfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b3e308 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"9b3e308\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e402aba elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"e402aba\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-dea96a7\" data-id=\"dea96a7\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-526db3f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"526db3f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"prognosis\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Prognosis and Long-Term Outlook for Patients<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-88b227f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"88b227f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-30616f2\" data-id=\"30616f2\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19f3fa5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"19f3fa5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The prognosis for pretibial myxedema varies depending on the severity of the condition and the timeliness of treatment. In many cases, the skin changes associated with pretibial myxedema can stabilize or even improve with appropriate therapy, especially if thyroid function is well-managed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As far as the typical duration of the condition is concerned, pretibial myxedema can last for months to years. The earlier the condition is identified and treated, the better the chances of preventing its progression. While treatment can alleviate symptoms, <\/span><b>recurrence is possible<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially in cases where the underlying thyroid disease is not well-controlled. Patients who receive early and appropriate treatment often have better outcomes, with a reduced likelihood of severe skin changes and associated complications.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9668ccd elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"9668ccd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f78c9d6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f78c9d6\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-071fc0d\" data-id=\"071fc0d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2431a23 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2431a23\" data-element_type=\"widget\" id=\"other-myxedematous-conditions\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Differences Between Pretibial Myxedema and Other Myxedematous Conditions<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-104297f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"104297f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c650e43\" data-id=\"c650e43\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-be73963 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"be73963\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although pretibial myxedema is the most common type of localized myxedema, it\u2019s important to distinguish it from other forms of myxedema, particularly those associated with hypothyroidism.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-af89dbd elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"af89dbd\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-faf2f25\" data-id=\"faf2f25\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a465a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8a465a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Generalized myxedema<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5227ce0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5227ce0\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fc6792e\" data-id=\"fc6792e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c6e239 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4c6e239\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike pretibial myxedema, generalized myxedema occurs throughout the body and is often seen in patients with severe hypothyroidism. It is characterized by widespread swelling and thickening of the skin due to the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides. Generalized myxedema is often associated with other symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-797a5c1 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"797a5c1\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-05e67e9\" data-id=\"05e67e9\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-adf7937 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"adf7937\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Hypothyroid vs. hyperthyroid-related myxedema<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-14c4232 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"14c4232\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4153eaf\" data-id=\"4153eaf\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4338f35 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4338f35\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pretibial myxedema is typically associated with hyperthyroidism, specifically Graves\u2019 disease, while generalized myxedema occurs in the context of untreated or severe hypothyroidism. The underlying thyroid dysfunction significantly influences both the type and distribution of the skin changes.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-333c290 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"333c290\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-dd1ed7d\" data-id=\"dd1ed7d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea0ccb4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ea0ccb4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/myxedema-coma\/\">Myxedema coma\n<\/a><\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-fd3386c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"fd3386c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-16ade33\" data-id=\"16ade33\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6ca5044 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6ca5044\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neither generalized myxedema nor pretibial myxedema should be confused with <\/span><b>myxedema coma<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is a <\/span><b>life-threatening complication<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of untreated or severely under-treated hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma is considered the most extreme form of hypothyroidism, characterized by severe metabolic disturbances such as hypothermia, low blood pressure, slow heart rate, and respiratory failure. While the term \u201ccoma\u201d is used, not all patients are comatose; it refers more to the critical metabolic and neurological state of the patient.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e2662b9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"e2662b9\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e1d3932\" data-id=\"e1d3932\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ac63e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"5ac63e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-25ab8b9 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"25ab8b9\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b020cf3\" data-id=\"b020cf3\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-734dcd4 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"734dcd4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-319ba1f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"319ba1f\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-676346b\" data-id=\"676346b\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5c32f6b elementor-widget elementor-widget-spacer\" data-id=\"5c32f6b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"spacer.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-spacer-inner\"><\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-d69f347 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"d69f347\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-650f8e2\" data-id=\"650f8e2\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-553e20f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"553e20f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dafe8ec elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"dafe8ec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pretibial myxedema is a rare but complex (and sometimes persistent) condition that causes localized thickening and swelling of the skin, most often on the shins.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike generalized myxedema, which is typically associated with low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), pretibial myxedema occurs mainly in patients with an overactive thyroid, particularly those with Graves\u2019 disease.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there is no cure, many patients find relief through a combination of thyroid management, topical treatments, and lifestyle changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continued research is paving the way for new therapies that may offer better results and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some patients have experienced improvements with non-invasive laser treatments and injections of hyaluronidase to break down excess mucopolysaccharides. These approaches are still under study but show promise for more resistant cases<\/span><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a9Eduardo Barrios on Unsplash Before we talk about \u201cpretibial myxedema\u201d, let\u2019s first try to understand what it really means with a layered, bottom-up explanation, starting with edema, then myxedema, and finally pretibial myxedema. An edema refers to the swelling caused by the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues of the body. It can occur [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":13395,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[49,36],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13394","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-other","category-thyroid-conditions"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is pretibial myxedema?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about pretibial myxedema, a rare skin condition linked to Graves\u2019 disease, including its causes, symptoms, stages, and treatment.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thyforlife.com\/what-is-pretibial-myxedema\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" 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