Birth Control, Eczema, and Skin Issues

More than 31 million Americans have eczema. Although hormonal birth control is known to trigger skin rashes, there is little research on how it affects eczema. Studies have shown that there might be an increased risk of eczema with hormonal birth control use.

This article looks at hormonal birth control and eczema, hormonal rashes, and treatment options.

Birth Control, Eczema, and Skin Issues

Although eczema isn’t an autoimmune disease, when the immune system is overactive, it can trigger inflammation and eczema flare-ups. Hormones are known to influence the body’s inflammatory process. Hormonal changes are known to play a role in eczema.

For example, women are more likely to experience worsening atopic dermatitis symptoms before their periods. An overactive immune system can also affect the skin’s barrier, leading to dry, cracked skin, which is a main symptom of eczema.

Hormonal Contraceptives

Hormonal birth control affects the body’s hormones and also impacts autoimmunity. A study found that hormonal contraceptives (such as birth control pills, Norplant, and vaginal rings) have profound effects on the immune system, and birth control users significantly increased the development of eczema.

The study also found that women who used Norplant, a progesterone-only contraceptive implant, were at significantly increased risk for eczema and several other skin conditions.

Another study found that birth control pill users were at an increased risk of being referred to a hospital for eczema or dermatitis. However, past birth control users were not at an increased risk of hospital referrals for eczema.

Hormonal Rash vs. Eczema

The effects of estrogen and progestin in birth control cause hormonal rashes. Sometimes dyes or other ingredients in birth control can also cause a rash.

Rashes associated with hormonal birth control use include:

• Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (a skin rash that develops around the menstrual cycle)
• Pyogenic granuloma (small skin lesions that bleed)
• Porphyria cutanea tarda (painful blisters that develop on sun-exposed skin)
• Erythema nodosum (nodules under the skin)
  

Eczema is different from hormonal skin rashes in that it is a complex condition with many causes and triggers that the medical community has not yet fully understood. Environmental factors, genetics, and having an overactive immune system are all believed to play a role. There are also many triggers for eczema flare-ups, including hormones, exposure to allergens or irritants, and stress.

Treating Skin Issues While on Birth Control

If you're on hormonal birth control and have developed eczema, it's a good idea to keep track of any changes in your skin, along with any other symptoms. This can help determine if your condition is related to birth control or something else, like stress.

You can also manage itchy skin and other symptoms by avoiding triggers and using home remedies, including:

• Using skin cleansers with low pH
• Applying cold compresses
• Taking an oatmeal or apple cider vinegar bath
• Moisturizing frequently throughout the day with an ointment or cream that contains ceramides

If your eczema symptoms worsen or continue, it's time to see a healthcare provider. Discuss your symptoms and how they relate to your use of hormonal birth control. There are prescription medications that can help with eczema, and it's also possible they may suggest coming off birth control to see if your symptoms improve.

Summary

Birth control can affect hormones and the immune system, which can play a role in developing or worsening eczema. Eczema is different from hormonal skin rashes because it is a complex condition not entirely understood by healthcare providers. Though more research is needed to better understand the link between hormonal birth control and eczema, the few existing studies so far suggest hormonal birth control users are at an increased risk of developing eczema.

A Word From Verywell

Eczema is much more than a skin rash. It is a complex condition that can have painful physical and emotional symptoms and interfere with daily life. If you suffer from eczema that interferes with your routine, work, or sleep, it’s important to have a healthcare provider evaluate your condition. If your eczema might be connected to hormonal birth control use, keep a record of symptoms and mention it to your healthcare provider.