Contraception And The Skin

In the 1987 review article, Kovacs and Marks examined the effects of oral contraceptives on skin conditions. They found that oral contraceptives can cause skin problems but also have benefits for acne and hirsutism by reducing androgen synthesis and free testosterone levels. The review suggested that contraceptives with less androgenic progestogens or higher oestrogen to progestogen ratios might be better for women with acne and hirsutism. It also noted that while male pattern scalp alopecia from oral contraceptives is rare, diffuse hair loss after discontinuation is more common, and chloasma is a side effect that primarily affects women with darker skin or those who had chloasma during pregnancy. The review mentioned other skin conditions potentially linked to oral contraceptives, such as candidiasis, erythema nodosum, herpes gestationis, pruritus, jaundice, systemic lupus erythematosus, porphyrias, eczemas, and photosensitivity. It also highlighted that tetracyclines for acne might reduce oral contraceptive efficacy and that allergic contact dermatitis can occur with other contraceptive methods. A study of 1888 IUCD users did not show copper sensitivity. Additionally, the document reported on sun damage in students and teachers, with a significant percentage showing signs of excessive sun exposure and supporting the need for mandatory sun protection measures in schools. The review was prepared for the Medical Taskforce of the Family Planning Federation of Australia.