Reactions and Side Effects of Ovulation Inhibitors on the Skin
January 1978
in “
PubMed
”
oral contraceptive estrogen melanin-stimulating hormone sebum production chlormadinon acetate antiandrogenic effect androgenetic alopecia nortestosterone peroral dermatitis lupus erythematosus porphyria cutanea tarda liver dysfunction vaginal candidosis herpes gestationes trichomoniasis candida mycosis Ovosiston
TLDR Oral contraceptives can affect skin and hair, improve acne, but may cause pigmentation, dermatitis, and other conditions.
The document provided an overview of dermatological diseases associated with oral contraceptive (o.c.) use. It was found that o.c. use could lead to increased pigmentation due to elevated melanin-stimulating hormone production, decreased sebum production beneficial for acne, and disturbances in hair growth balance. Androgenetic alopecia was linked to preparations containing nortestosterone. Other observed conditions included peroral dermatitis, lupus erythematodes visceralis, allergic skin reactions, and porphyria cutanea tarda, often related to liver dysfunctions. Vaginal candidosis and herpes gestationes were also more frequent among o.c. users. The study involved 166 patients, noting that acne vulgaris improved more frequently among Ovosiston users, and liver damage was confirmed in all cases of porphyria cutanea tarda.