Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesRashesTreatmentNon-Hormonal Birth Control and EczemaWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Rashes
Treatment
Non-Hormonal Birth Control and Eczema
When to Seek Care
To treat hormonal eczema, it’s important to use gentle,fragrance-free skin careproducts and keep the skin well moisturized. If you suspect your birth control is causing skin problems, consult your healthcare provider about alternative options or treatments to manage the symptoms effectively.
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Can Birth Control Cause Eczema?
Yes, birth control can contribute to or trigger eczema in some people.This is largely due to the hormonal fluctuations that birth control causes, and the ways these shifts can disrupt skin barrier function and immune responses.
The week before amenstrual period, estrogen levels drop. This natural drop in estrogen may contribute to eczema flare-ups in some individuals, as estrogen can have anti-inflammatory effects that promote skin healing and moisture retention.
Progesterone-only contraceptives tend to keep estrogen levels lower throughout the cycle, preventing the natural rise in estrogen that occurs withovulation. This can lead to even lower baseline estrogen levels in some individuals, especially in the week before a period.
For this reason, many menstruating people with eczema who take birth control experience worsening skin symptoms during the premenstrual week.
One 2017 study found that hormonal contraceptives (such asbirth control pills, Norplant, andvaginal rings) have profound effects on the immune system, and birth control users significantly increased the development of eczema.
The study also found that cisgender women who used Norplant, a progesterone-only contraceptive implant, were at significantly increased risk for eczema and several other skin conditions.
Birth control use has also been linked todyshidroticeczema, a condition more common in people with other forms of eczema and seasonal allergies like hay fever. Though the cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown, nickel, humid weather, and sweaty palms are some triggers.
Hormonal Rash vs. Eczema
Hormonal birth control can affect the skin in ways that are not linked to eczema. In some people, the effects of estrogen and progestin in birth control can lead tohormonal rashes. Sometimes dyes or other ingredients in birth control can also cause a rash.
Rashes associated with hormonal birth control use include:
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 manytriggersfor eczema flare-ups, including hormones, exposure to allergens or irritants, and stress.
What Is Progesterone Hypersensitivity?Progesterone hypersensitivityis a condition that occurs when the body has an allergic reaction to its progesterone. This condition causes skin problems in women, including eczema and hives, which worsen three to 10 days before their period starts.
What Is Progesterone Hypersensitivity?
Progesterone hypersensitivityis a condition that occurs when the body has an allergic reaction to its progesterone. This condition causes skin problems in women, including eczema and hives, which worsen three to 10 days before their period starts.
Treatments for Hormonal Eczema
If you develop new or worsened skin symptoms while using birth control, talk to a healthcare provider. Your provider may suggest switching to a different birth control method or trying therapies to alleviate symptoms.
Your provider may recommend that you:
If at-home treatments aren’t enough, your provider may suggest a prescription. Topical corticosteroids are typically first-line, and if symptoms persist, they might recommend an oral or injected treatment, like immunosuppressants.
For some people, certain non-hormonal birth control methods may irritate the skin or trigger eczema flare-ups, especially:
Condoms:Certain condom materials may irritate the skin or trigger eczema flare-ups in people with sensitive skin. In particular, people who are sensitive or allergic to latex or rubber should avoid latex condoms. Nonlatex condoms, likepolyurethane,polyisoprene, orlambskin condoms, are good alternatives.
Spermicides:These products are generally safe for people with sensitive skin or eczema. However, some spermicides contain ingredients that may irritate the skin, includingnonoxynol-9and parabens like methylparaben or propylparaben.Read product labels carefully and consult a healthcare provider if you have questions.
There are a variety of non-hormonal birth control options that are far less likely to irritate the skin, includingcopper IUDsandnatural methodslike fertility awareness. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider to find the right option for you.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If eczema interferes with your routine, work, or sleep, or your symptoms appear to be worsening, 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 provider.
You should also see a healthcare provider if you develop any signs of skin infection, including:
There areprescription medicationsthat can help with eczema. Your provider may also suggest coming off birth control or switching to a different type 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. Treatment for hormonal eczema may involve at-home remedies, like frequent moisturizing and using a humidifier. When that’s not enough, your healthcare provider may prescribe a topical or oral medication to reduce the immune responses that trigger eczema.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Williams WV.Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: a review of the literature.The Linacre Quarterly. 2017 Aug;84(3):275-295. doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065Lephart E, Naftolin F.Factors influencing skin aging and the important role of estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022 Aug;15(1):1695–1709. doi:10.2147/CCID.S333663Dal Bello G, Maurelli M, Schena D, et al.Variations of symptoms of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in relation to menstrual cycle.J Am Acad Dermat. 2022;87(4):892-895. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.12.014American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema causes.DermNet.Oral contraceptives and the skin.National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Progestogen hypersensitivity.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) treatment.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.PH labelling of skin cleansers can lead to better options for people with atopic dermatitis.Umborowati M, Damayanti D, Aggraeni S, et al.The role of probiotics in the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Health Popul Nutr. 2022 Aug;41(1):37. doi:10.1186/s41043-022-00318-6NYU Langone Health.Medication for eczema & dermatitis.Nucera E, Aruanno A, Rizzi A, Centrone M.Latex allergy: Current status and future perspectives.J Asthma Allergy. 2020 Sep;2020(1):385-398. doi:10.2147/JAA.S242058Xu M, Zhao M, Wun Li R, et al.Effects of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) on sperm functions: systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Fertil. 2022 Feb;3(1):19-33.Penn Medicine.Cellulitis.
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Williams WV.Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: a review of the literature.The Linacre Quarterly. 2017 Aug;84(3):275-295. doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065Lephart E, Naftolin F.Factors influencing skin aging and the important role of estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022 Aug;15(1):1695–1709. doi:10.2147/CCID.S333663Dal Bello G, Maurelli M, Schena D, et al.Variations of symptoms of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in relation to menstrual cycle.J Am Acad Dermat. 2022;87(4):892-895. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.12.014American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema causes.DermNet.Oral contraceptives and the skin.National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Progestogen hypersensitivity.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) treatment.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.PH labelling of skin cleansers can lead to better options for people with atopic dermatitis.Umborowati M, Damayanti D, Aggraeni S, et al.The role of probiotics in the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Health Popul Nutr. 2022 Aug;41(1):37. doi:10.1186/s41043-022-00318-6NYU Langone Health.Medication for eczema & dermatitis.Nucera E, Aruanno A, Rizzi A, Centrone M.Latex allergy: Current status and future perspectives.J Asthma Allergy. 2020 Sep;2020(1):385-398. doi:10.2147/JAA.S242058Xu M, Zhao M, Wun Li R, et al.Effects of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) on sperm functions: systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Fertil. 2022 Feb;3(1):19-33.Penn Medicine.Cellulitis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Williams WV.Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: a review of the literature.The Linacre Quarterly. 2017 Aug;84(3):275-295. doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065Lephart E, Naftolin F.Factors influencing skin aging and the important role of estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022 Aug;15(1):1695–1709. doi:10.2147/CCID.S333663Dal Bello G, Maurelli M, Schena D, et al.Variations of symptoms of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in relation to menstrual cycle.J Am Acad Dermat. 2022;87(4):892-895. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.12.014American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema causes.DermNet.Oral contraceptives and the skin.National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.National Organization for Rare Disorders.Progestogen hypersensitivity.National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) treatment.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.PH labelling of skin cleansers can lead to better options for people with atopic dermatitis.Umborowati M, Damayanti D, Aggraeni S, et al.The role of probiotics in the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Health Popul Nutr. 2022 Aug;41(1):37. doi:10.1186/s41043-022-00318-6NYU Langone Health.Medication for eczema & dermatitis.Nucera E, Aruanno A, Rizzi A, Centrone M.Latex allergy: Current status and future perspectives.J Asthma Allergy. 2020 Sep;2020(1):385-398. doi:10.2147/JAA.S242058Xu M, Zhao M, Wun Li R, et al.Effects of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) on sperm functions: systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Fertil. 2022 Feb;3(1):19-33.Penn Medicine.Cellulitis.
Williams WV.Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: a review of the literature.The Linacre Quarterly. 2017 Aug;84(3):275-295. doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065
Lephart E, Naftolin F.Factors influencing skin aging and the important role of estrogens and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022 Aug;15(1):1695–1709. doi:10.2147/CCID.S333663
Dal Bello G, Maurelli M, Schena D, et al.Variations of symptoms of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis in relation to menstrual cycle.J Am Acad Dermat. 2022;87(4):892-895. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2021.12.014
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Eczema types: dyshidrotic eczema causes.
DermNet.Oral contraceptives and the skin.
National Eczema Association.Eczema causes and triggers.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Progestogen hypersensitivity.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.Eczema (atopic dermatitis) treatment.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.PH labelling of skin cleansers can lead to better options for people with atopic dermatitis.
Umborowati M, Damayanti D, Aggraeni S, et al.The role of probiotics in the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Health Popul Nutr. 2022 Aug;41(1):37. doi:10.1186/s41043-022-00318-6
NYU Langone Health.Medication for eczema & dermatitis.
Nucera E, Aruanno A, Rizzi A, Centrone M.Latex allergy: Current status and future perspectives.J Asthma Allergy. 2020 Sep;2020(1):385-398. doi:10.2147/JAA.S242058
Xu M, Zhao M, Wun Li R, et al.Effects of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) on sperm functions: systematic review and meta-analysis.Reprod Fertil. 2022 Feb;3(1):19-33.
Penn Medicine.Cellulitis.
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