Uses for thyroid hormone compounds or thyroid hormone-like compounds

Abstract

This invention relates to the use of topically applied thyroid hormone compounds and thyroid hormone-like compounds which are receptor binding ligands, either agonists or antagonists, to improve the appearance of the skin and underlying subcutaneous fat and improve certain medical conditions when applied topically. These compounds can be used to treat skin conditions such as stria, cellulite, roughened skin, actinic skin damage, intrinsically aged skin, photodamaged kin, lichen planus, ichthyosis, acne, psoriasis, wrinkled skin, corticosteroid atrophy, collagen deficient skin, and to diminish the size and improve the appearance of skin scarring from surgical or naturally occurring wounds, and to reduce the incidence of hyperkeratotic scarring. The thyroid agonists and antagonists may also promote differentiation and amelioration of dedifferentiated skin in premalignant lesions. The thyroid agonists and antagonists can be active in all organisms which contain the thyroid hormone receptors, notably amphibians, birds and subjects. Combination with Vitamin D analogs, glucocorticoids, and retinoids will potentiate and modify the effects of the thyroid hormones for increased benefit. Side effects of thyroid hormones which occur when the hormone is given orally and prevent usefulness for the above conditions are prevented when the hormone is topically applied.