Graves disease is a condition in which immune cells target and damage the thyroid gland, the tissues around the eyes, and the skin.

We analyzed the available evidence and found that Graves disease is a condition in which immune cells target and damage the thyroid gland, the tissues around the eyes, and the skin [1]. This pattern appears consistently across the studies we reviewed, with no conflicting reports. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, helps regulate metabolism by producing hormones, and when it’s affected, it can lead to symptoms like weight loss, rapid heartbeat, or anxiety. The tissues around the eyes may swell or bulge, a condition sometimes called Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which can cause discomfort or vision changes. Skin involvement, though less common, can appear as thickened, reddened patches—often on the shins or tops of the feet—known as Graves’ dermopathy. These effects all stem from the immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues, a hallmark of autoimmune conditions. What we’ve found so far suggests that these three areas—the thyroid, the eye tissues, and the skin—are the primary targets in Graves disease, based on the patterns described in the evidence. We don’t yet know why the immune system turns against these specific tissues, but the connection between them is consistently reported. The evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward this understanding, though more research may refine how these effects develop or vary between individuals. For someone noticing unexplained weight loss, eye changes, or unusual skin thickening, these could be signs worth discussing with a healthcare provider.