Possible Link? My Atopic Dermatitis and Oral Contraceptives

By gosiag

2 min read

I was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis at the age of two. My mum did an awesome job of teaching me how to manage it when I was young. I was one of the lucky ones that 'grew out' of it and had no major flare ups by the age of 13.

Taking an oral contraceptive

At the age of 23, I had an ovarian cyst removed and was put on on 'the pill' (oral contraception) to stop my ovaries from working during my recovery. Over that one year I was on the pill, my atopic dermatitis came back with a vengeance. More than 70% of my body was affected. I had sores that didn't heal for that one year. I ended up in hospital with severe infection on my eyelid that was caused by a flare up (which was actually secondary infected in the meantime). No doctor or nurse in the UK even consider the pill to be the cause and just kept suggesting that I should use topical steroids.

Eczema flares when I take the pill

At some point super frustrated (the pill wasn't medically necessary anymore), I stopped taking the pill and within one month all my flare ups, my excessively dry skin and infections - all stopped. Since then, I had no flare ups and no symptoms at all... until i was prescribed the pill at the age of 28. After I explained to the nurse what happened last time, she literally laughed in my face. It's now less than two months that I am taking it. My skin is paper thin, flakes all the time, and I started having flare ups in the usual places.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Finally my question is... is this only my experience? Are there any other women with the same story? Every time I bring it up at the doctors office I am being ridiculed and given another piece of paper with a prescription for steroids (which I absolutely hate and use as a last resort). I am not saying that you shouldn't listen to your doctor, but this is more than a coincidence and it makes me think that my flare ups must be related to the contraception pill.

Have you experienced skin symptoms from oral contraceptives?

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kattyb88 Member
I also worked out my eczema was worsened by my contraceptive pill, would make my whole body raw, red and painful. It took me about 15 years to work this out after going off and on the pill. I only use natural cycles now won't risk hormones again.
1. Liz R. Lebowitz, RN Moderator & Contributor
 Hello dear <inline-mention username="kattyb88" user-id="4246980"/>, it must have been quite a relief when you figured out the cause of your eczema symptoms. I am sad that your journey was long and so uncomfortable. Sometimes, side effects of hormones can wreck such havoc on our bodies. Here is an article you may find of interest: <a href='https://atopicdermatitis.net/affect-hormones' target='_blank'>https://atopicdermatitis.net/affect-hormones</a>. Glad to read that you have reversed course and found another way. Sending healing hugs to you, Liz - <a href='https://atopicdermatitis.net' target='_blank'>AtopicDermatitis.net</a> - Site Moderator
car0line5 Member
I had a similar experience with the pill. I’ve had eczema as long as I can remember and it was very bad when I was a child but slowly got a bit better as I got older. When I was 18 I decided to try birth control pills and I began having extreme flare ups in large patches on my body that wouldn’t go away no matter how much I treated them. It got so bad that it was painful to walk as my left leg was affected and I developed a terrible skin infection. I really think more research on the relationship between hormonal pills and pre existing conditions such as eczema should be done. 
1. Nina Ajdin Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="car0line5" user-id="4222475"/> Totally agree with you on that - we definitely need more research. I'm sorry to hear you had this experience, and that it got to that point. Unfortunately I did as well from the moment I even tried using birth control pills at 18, but didn't have as severe of a reaction with you as far as the infections go. Did you end up getting off of the pills entirely, or did you find something that works? -Nina (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)
sarah.fw Member
I have recently been put on the combined pill, and have been getting flare ups that can't be treated, one which got infected. I spoke to a GP about it, and I mentioned that I had been doing my preventative treatments correctly, so I was confused why I was getting flare ups again. I mentioned that I had read online that the flare ups can be caused by the combined pill, and after talking with her consultant, the doctor came back to me and said yes you're right, the combined pill is most likely what's causing your eczema right now. So in conclusion, I had it confirmed to me by a doctor the the pill can cause eczema flare ups. Hope this helps!
1. sarah.fw Member
 <inline-mention username="Nina Ajdin" user-id="4189827"/> I did get off oral, it was my preference and I don't think I would have qualified for the other type (progesterone- only)
2. Nina Ajdin Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="sarah.fw" user-id="2999683"/> ah gotcha, thank you for sharing! I'm glad you listened to your body and made the right decision, and I hope the flare ups have settled down a bit since getting off of it! 😀 -Nina (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)
alexandra Member
This is reassuring to read. I have just been prescribed a new mini pill and am getting serious, full-body eczema flare ups like nothing I've had before ! Wasn't sure if it was a new fabric softener. Quite possibly a combination of both. Think I need to get off this pill in any case !
1. Sarah Wallin Community Admin
 <inline-mention user-id="2016226" username="alexandra"/> thank you for your comment, I'm glad to hear you were reassured by <inline-mention user-id="2027257" username="gosiag"/> 's article. It's not easy keeping track of what could be triggering eczema and full-body flare ups do not sound fun. We've heard other people say they also have noticed eczema symptoms while taking oral contraceptives. There's more discussion about it here: <a href='https://atopicdermatitis.net/q-and-a/oral-contraceptives' target='_blank'>https://atopicdermatitis.net/q-and-a/oral-contraceptives/</a>. I do hope you're able to speak with your doctor about this so you can find a better solution moving forward. -Sarah (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)
2. Nina Ajdin Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="alexandra" user-id="2016226"/> I tried the mini pills at some point as well as I was told those are better for people with AD, but unfortunately it made me flare up as well. I hope you and your doctor can find something else that works and doesn't cause future flare ups - keep us posted! -Nina (AtopicDermatitis.net Team Member)