The pretibial myxedema is not related to thyroid function — it is caused by those pesky antibodies. In some of us, the skin on the shins is close enough in composition to thyroid tissue that those antibodies create some problems with our legs, too. It only happens in, I think I read, about 1% of the Graves’ population. Lucky us. It also tends to go along with more pronounced eye disease, too.
Mine went away for the most part. I spent about a year slathering prescription-strength cortisone creams on my legs, and eventually the skin has turned back to it’s normal consistency. I recommend that if you have it, or suspect that you have it, that you see a good dermatologist. Mine gave me lots of good information about it, and was very helpful during the year that I saw her for it.
Wishing you luck,
Bobbi
