Cutaneous Side Effects of Oral Contraceptives

In 1970, J. E. Jelinek's review identified several cutaneous side effects associated with oral contraceptive use, including melasma, acne, genital moniliasis, photosensitivity, telangiectasis, herpes gestationis, and alopecia. Melasma was the most common, with a 5% to 8% incidence in the U.S. Oral contraceptives could initially worsen acne but often improved it after 1 to 4 months. Vaginal moniliasis became problematic after a latent period of 9 months, while photosensitivity and telangiectasis were also reported, with the latter often resolving after stopping the medication. Herpes gestationis recurred with contraceptive use in women with a history of the condition during pregnancy. Two types of diffuse alopecia were associated with oral contraceptives: one following withdrawal and the other during ongoing therapy. The review also mentioned a potential link between oral contraceptives and lupus erythematosus syndrome, erythema nodosum, and purpura, but found no significant association with alopecia areata or malignant melanoma. The need for further research to obtain meaningful statistical data on these side effects was emphasized.