Classification and epidemiology of thyroid disease

Editorial Perspective: Thyroid diseases are exceedingly common. The thyroid gland, by virtue of its effect on tissue metabolism, affects every organ system. The cutaneous manifestations of thyroid disease are protean and include all age groups. The spectrum of the cutaneous manifestations of thyroid disease includes specific lesions such as cutaneous metastases from thyroid malignancies and thyroglossal duct cysts; nonspecific alterations of the skin, hair, and nails reflecting both the hyperthyroid and hypothyroid states; and the multiple associations of thyroid disease with other cutaneous and systemic diseases. In this chapter, Drs. Haddad and Kaufman classify thyroid disorders and provide information regarding their prevalence. It is abundantly clear that dermatologists will be seeing patients with a thyroid disorder on a daily basis and that endocrinologists will be managing patients with dermatologic issues. It behooves dermatologists and endocrinologists to have knowledge of the breadth and epidemiology of thyroid diseases and their attendant dermatologic manifestations to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. © 2008 Springer-Verlag London.