Pharmaceutical effect of contraceptive pills on the skin
Foldes, E.G.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapy and Toxicology 26(7): 356-359
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0174-4879 PMID: 2974837 Document Number: 364167
Hormonal contraceptives, most of which contain norethindrone and norethynodrel combined with estrogen, maintain the body in a state of "artificial pregnancy" and can cause hormonal, vascular, metabolic, and neurolgic side effects similar to the effects seen in pregnancy. Many of these involve the skin. Herpes gestationis is a herpetiform dermatitis with vesicular and bullous eruptions which is triggered by high levels of progesterone and prolactin. Melasma, a dark brown hyperpigmentation, is frequently seen in women taking oral contraceptives. Progesterone activity changes the biochemistry and pH of the skin and sebacious glands, thereby contributing to eruptions of acne vulgaris. Contraceptive pills have been found to increase the incidence of genital candidiasis. Withdrawal from contraceptive pills is often associated with alopecia. Estrogenic substances increase the sensitivity of the skin to light and induce telangiectasia. Oral contraceptives, as well as many other drugs, have been associated with erythema nodosum. Creams, foams, jellies, diaphragms, pessaries and Nonoxynol-9 cause a phenomenon similar to contact dermatitis but with deeper ulcerations due to the acidity of the iritant chemicals.