Why Potassium Iodide (SSKI) works

[Guest guest]

I have Grave's disease (thyroid/autoimmine..mine was hyper). It's been in remission for over 10 years. I wonder if using the SSKI would mess up the thyroid or not. I'd like to try it, I just don't know.

Lori

[Guest guest]

Dear Group,

Quite a few of us have tried SSKI. And the question comes up as to why

does it work.

I found an article that gives a good explanation:

http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic408.htm

<<Potassium iodide (SSKI, Pima) -- Most commonly used therapy for this

condition. Works via potassium concentration in granulomas, which

releases heparin and inhibits delayed-type hypersensitivity response.

Response should be seen in all patients in 2-3 wk.>>

This is in reference to Subacute Nodular Migratory Panniculitis

(Vilanova Disease), which is the type of EN think I have. I have never

tried SSKI as my EN goes into remission without it. I am now wondering

if it might be just the ticket for a quicker resolution.

Love,

[Guest guest]

Dear Lori,

I would certainly ask the dr. about that, Lori. SSKI needs a dr's

prescription in the USA.

I found a link that addresses the issue of SSKI and the thyroid.

http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter11/11_iodine.htm

<<As described elsewhere, potassium iodide acts promptly to inhibit

thyroid hormone secretion from the Graves' disease thyroid gland. PTU,

propranolol, glucocorticoids,181 amiodarone, and sodium ipodate

(Oragrafin Sodium) inhibit peripheral T4 to T3 conversion, and

glucocorticoids may have a more prolonged suppressive effect on

thyrotoxicosis.182 Orally administered resins bind T4 in the intestine

and prevent recirculation.183 All of these agents have been used for

control of thyrotoxicosis.184,185 Combined dexamethasone, potassium

iodide, and PTU can lower the serum T3 level to normal in 24 hours,

which is useful in severe thyrotoxicosis. Prednisone has been reported

to induce remission of Graves' disease, but at the expense of causing

Cushing's syndrome.187 Ipodate (0.5 - 1 g orally per day) acts to

inhibit hormone release because of its iodine content, in addition to

its action to inhibit T4 to T3 conversion. This dose of ipodate given

to patients with Graves' disease reduced the serum T3 level by 58% and

the T4 level by 20% within 24 hours, and the effect persisted for

three weeks.188,189 This dose of ipodate was more effective than 600

mg of PTU, which decreased the T3 level by only 23% during the first

24 hours, whereas the T4 level did not drop. Ipodate may prove to be a

useful adjunct in the early therapy of hyperthyroidism, but will

increase total body and thyroidal iodine. However, when the drug is

stopped, the RAIU in Graves' patients usually returns to pre-

treatment levels within a week.189 Because it is the most effective

agent available in preventing conversion of T4 to T3, it has a useful

role in managing thyroid storm (Chapter 12).>>

I would advise against experimenting with SSKI, even if you can obtain

it without a prescription, especially if you have had thyroid issues

in the past. Ones thyroid should be monitored when using SKI.

Love,

[Guest guest]

Dear Lori

If you have thyroid problems I would be very careful. My GP told me

the other day she had a patient who was taking kelp tablets

unbeknownst to the doctor and has having weird thyroid problems that

they couldn't work out until they realised in her case the kelp had

affected the thyroid. As said I would check with your doctor

first.

Regards

Lesley

> I have Grave's disease (thyroid/autoimmine..mine was hyper). It's

been in

> remission for over 10 years. I wonder if using the SSKI would mess

up the

> thyroid or not. I'd like to try it, I just don't know.

> Lori

[Guest guest]

Dear Lori

If you have thyroid problems I would be very careful. My GP told me

the other day she had a patient who was taking kelp tablets

unbeknownst to the doctor and has having weird thyroid problems that

they couldn't work out until they realised in her case the kelp had

affected the thyroid. As said I would check with your doctor

first.

Regards

Lesley

> I have Grave's disease (thyroid/autoimmine..mine was hyper). It's

been in

> remission for over 10 years. I wonder if using the SSKI would mess

up the

> thyroid or not. I'd like to try it, I just don't know.

> Lori