Dry, Flaky Feet Could Indicate Thyroid Problems: MD Podiatrist

If your feet are dry and flaky, it could be thyroid problems, especially if moisturizer doesn’t help. When the thyroid gland (the butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck) goes on the fritz, it doesn’t properly produce thyroid hormones, which control metabolic rate, blood pressure, tissue growth, and skeletal and nervous system development. “Thyroid problems cause severe dryness of the skin,” says Dan Michaels, DPM.
 
“When we see cracking on the feet, or if moisturizer doesn’t improve dryness over a few days, we usually refer patients to their primary doctor to make sure their thyroids are okay.” Brittle toenails can also signal thyroid complications. Thyroid problems are more common than you might think- according to the Cleveland Clinic, they impact around 20 million people in the U.S.- so it’s always worth a conversation with your doctor if you see this warning sign.