American family physician
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Pretibial myxedema is a localized dermopathy seen in patients with past or present hyperthyroidism. Massive intradermal deposition of mucin (acid mucopolysaccharide) produces the classic indurated nodules or plaques on the anterior lower legs. ⋯ Mild pretibial myxedema requires no treatment. Topical, intralesional or systemic steroids may be useful in severe cases.