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Not just PCOS, endometriosis can also give you acne. Here’s what you need to know

Here a dermatologist talks about how endometriosis can wreak havoc on your skin, inviting adult acne, lupus, dermatitis, and other skin issues.
Endometriosis can also wreak havoc on your skin. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Rinky Kapoor Updated: 13 Oct 2023, 16:28 pm IST
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Endometriosis is a chronic condition that can affect women of any age before menopause. Caused by the endometrium cells when they start to grow from outside the uterus cavity and spread to your ovaries, bowels and pelvis tissue—this is a painful disease to say the least. But thankfully, only 10% of women suffer from it.

This displacement of the endometrium tissue causes the surrounding areas to become inflamed and painful as the trapped tissues does not have a way to get out of the pelvis. This can cause irritation, scar formation, severe pain during periods, and fertility problems. While experts all over the world are still researching on the causes, this is a condition that can be easily managed.

Apart from the internal pain, bloating, and bleeding problems—endometriosis also causes the skin to become very sensitive. In fact, this chronic painful condition is associated with a lot of skin issues like:

Acne: Adult acne is one of the most common skin problems associated with endometriosis. Acne is caused by hormonal imbalance and it can also arise temporarily before and after the periods. Acne can also appear in the form of blackheads, white heads, and small cyst like pimples or bumps under the skin.

Acne and hormonal imbalance go hand in hand. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Birth control pills that are often prescribed to manage endometriosis can also cause an acne outbreak. Consult a good dermatologist for help to manage those pesky zits.

Lupus: Women with endometriosis are at a high risk of lupus. This inflammatory condition causes hair loss and rashes to appear on the skin. The areas of skin that are exposed to sun are more susceptible and sensitive to rashes and lesions arising from lupus. Lupus can be easily managed with medicines, exercise and diet changes.

Hives or skin rashes: Women suffering from endometriosis are more prone to skin allergies. This happens because the immune system becomes more sensitive when you have endometriosis and reacts to irritants, thus causing an allergic reaction on the surface of the skin.

Eczema: Dermatitis is the most common type of eczema associated with this condition. Red, dry, and flaky patches appear on the skin because of the immune disorder. Eczema needs careful evaluation by the dermatologists to identify the correct treatment protocol.

To replenish your dehydrated skin, aloe vera shall be there for your rescue! Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Endometriosis causes your skin to react unpredictably
One of the major skin issues with endometriosis is the inconsistency of the skin. One day your skin will be free of all rashes and be clear, and the next day it can break out in rashes and pimples. The skin issues caused by endometriosis can cause humiliation, shame, and physical and psychological pain to the patient.

If you have been having trouble managing your skin because of endometriosis, then it is time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to find out what products will suit your skin type and what changes you can do in your lifestyle to maintain the natural balance of the skin.

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The first rule is to be gentle with your skin always. Apart from the medications prescribed by your dermatologist, you can also try:

  • A green tea toner (you can make one at home) to soothe your skin.
  • Avoiding red meat and high carb diets.
  • Adding more exercise to your routine (exercising regularly will keep your body’s metabolism active and keep the skin healthy)
  • Using argan oil to keep the skin from drying up.
  • Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and drugs at all costs.
  • Adding broccoli, beetroot, and greens to your diet.

Also, listen:

Endometriosis is a disease that causes inflammation in the body and you should try to avoid using any products on the skin that can aid and abet this condition. When shopping for skin care products opt for organic products that are paraben and sulphate free. A holistic approach in skincare will help you handle skin problems better. Consult with your dermatologist, and if it suits your skin type and condition, go for Ayurvedic massages regularly.

Dr Rinky Kapoor

Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon, The Esthetic Clinics ...Read More

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