Myxedema
Type: Symptom
Definition
Swelling of the skin and underlying tissues giving a waxy consistency.
Clinical Details
In severe, prolonged hypothyroidism, complex sugar molecules called mucopolysaccharides accumulate in the dermal layers of the skin. These molecules attract and hold large amounts of water, causing a non-pitting, firm swelling, particularly around the eyes and face. This gives the patient a characteristic puffy appearance.