Cutaneous side effects of hormonal contraceptives

ABSTRACT

Hormonal contraceptives can induce changes in the skin and its appendages. This study was carried out to compare the effects of progesterone only contraceptives [Norplant[R]] and Uniplant[R]] versus combined oral contraceptive pills on skin and its appendages. Women received IUDs were used as controls. A significant relation was found between the use of progesterone only contraceptives [Norplant[R]] and Uniplant[R]] and hair loss, seborrheic dermatitis, melasma and generalized pruritis. On the other hand there was a significant relation between the use of combined OCs and hair loss, melasma and vaginal candidiasis. Other skin manifestations reported showed insignificant difference in comparison to controls. Large prospective studies are recommended to elucidate the cutaneous side effects of progesterone only contraception versus combined oral contraceptive pills