Diseases of skin and musculo-skeletal systems.

Oral contraceptives (OCs) may be associated with various skin diseases and diseases of the musculo-skeletal system. They may be related to a change in the distribution of boils and carbuncles although an overall increase is absent. OC users more frequently exhibit eczematous conditions especially those caused by external agents. The risk of photosensitivity is particularly increased over 4 times (a risk of 53 per 100000 users annually); a similar risk has been found for localized neurodermatitis. Both erythema multiforme and nodosum have been found to occur at a combined risk of 1 in 1000 OC users a year while a possible association of rosacea with OC use would occur at a maximum risk of 1 in 1000 users per year. The estimated attributable risk of chloasma is about 70 in 100000 per year. Data have indicated that acne and sebaceous cysts are benefited by OCs while rheumatoid arthritis might be benefited by OC usage. More data are needed however to determine this relationship.