Skin discolouration caused by taking the Pill

It may occasionally occur spontaneously and in these circumstances can be very persistent. More commonly it resolves after the...


I recently discovered that my combined pill, Dianette (ethinylestradiol, cyproterone), has resulted in my suffering from chloasma, a pigment disorder that causes darkening of the skin.

Only my upper lip is affected and I find this embarrassing due to the fact that it resembles a moustache.

I stopped taking the pill nine months ago yet the chloasma does not seem to be abating.

My doctor did not know of any medicine that could reduce the colouration of the skin. Is there anything at all that I can apply to my skin?

Would you recommend using a bleaching cream that some Afro-caribbeans use?


Chloasma (or melasma) can occur during pregnancy or while taking the oral contraceptive pill.

It may occasionally occur spontaneously and in these circumstances can be very persistent. More commonly it resolves after the pregnancy or after stopping the oral contraceptive pill.

I can understand your concern, although it is still likely to settle spontaneously. The condition is worse in the summer and fades during the winter; this is why it is wise to wear high factor sun protection cream in hot weather.

This will reduce the intensity of the pigmentation.

If pigmentation is more widespread, other conditions such as low adrenal activity can be excluded by your GP. While the chloasma fades there are cosmetic ways to conceal the pigmentation.

I am uncertain about the action or contents of the bleaching creams to which you refer. In persistent cases topical creams containing hydroquinone are used.

They should be used with caution and under medical supervision.

I hope that the chloasma fades now that the end of the summer is approaching.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

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