How Endometriosis Can Affect The Skin
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) can grow into other parts of the body. Normally, this tissue builds up and then sheds during menstruation. However, when it grows out of the uterus it can cause symptoms of endometriosis, such as intense pelvic pain, fertility issues, and it can also impact the skin. This connection between endometriosis and skin problems is often overlooked but can be quite troublesome for those women affected. That’s why we spoke to our lead Private GP and Skin Doctor at Hannah London Clinic, Dr Kaywaan Khan to find out more.
How Can Endometriosis Affect Your Skin?
Hormonal imbalances associated with endometriosis, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, can lead to increased oil production which causes the sebaceous glands to become overactive. As a result, excess sebum is produced which can clog the pores, leading to the growth of acne-causing bacteria and breakouts. Typically, this type of acne is persistent and appears frequently on the face, back and chest. This can lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, where areas of the skin become darker after an acne breakout. Hormonal fluctuations can further influence melanin production, leading to uneven skin tone and dark spots.
As well as this, chronic inflammation is a hallmark of endometriosis and can manifest on the skin as rashes or redness. As a response to endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus, the immune system can release inflammatory substances that can increase the skins sensitivity. These rashes appear as red, itchy patches and can worsen in heat, humidity or periods of high stress.
Endometriosis can also make the skin more prone to dryness and sensitivity. Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the skin’s barrier function, leading to increased water loss and less moisture retention. This can result in dry, flaky skin that is more susceptible to irritation when triggered by environmental factors or incorrect skincare routine.
In rare cases, endometrial-like tissue grows on the skin, often in areas that have undergone previous surgery such as a caesarean section or hysterectomy. This is called cutaneous endometriosis, and symptoms may include lumps which change in size or tenderness during your menstrual cycle, discoloured lumps or swelling around the affected area. While these skin manifestations are possible, it’s important to note that they are not common and other factors could be contributing to your skin issues. It’s best to book in for a GP Consultation and consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can advise you on how to manage your symptoms.
When Should I See a Doctor About Endometriosis-Related Skin Issues?
If you have concerns about pelvic pain, fertility issues or irregular menstrual cycles, your GP should be the first point of contact. They can assess your symptoms, rule out other potential causes, and refer you to a specialist if necessary. Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed due to the variability of symptoms and the lack of awareness among some healthcare providers. As a result, women may experience a delay in receiving an accurate diagnosis. If you feel as though you are not getting the help you need, it may be worth booking a Private GP consultation to avoid long wait times and more focussed attention.
If you have specific skin concerns, such as a suspicious lump, acne, rashes or persistent irritation, a qualified skin doctor can help evaluate the skin problem and provide helpful management tips and treatment options. These can include prescription medications such as topical retinoids for acne, corticosteroids for rashes, or antifungal creams for infections in a bespoke skincare plan. For acne or acne scarring, there are advanced therapies available such as chemical peels, microneedling, Potenza, subcision or IPL, which a skin doctor can recommend depending on your specific skin concerns. They can also provide a bespoke skincare plan to help tackle your skin problems, as well as lifestyle modifications to reduce stress, ensure a balanced diet and hydration to support your skins overall health.
How Can I Manage Endometriosis-Related Skin Problems?
To manage these skin issues holistically and at home, it’s important to manage lifestyle factors and your skincare routine. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet with foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, berries and nuts can help calm down redness and increased skin sensitivity. This means avoiding foods which are highly processed and sugary, which can exacerbate inflammation. Drinking plenty of water everyday can also help to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
Stress management is also important to alleviate further inflammation, manage hormonal balance and provide pain relief. Exercising regularly boost circulation in your body, which can help with effective hormone regulation. Try to take 15 minutes in the morning and evening to practice relaxation techniques that resonate with you, whether that is deep breathing, yoga to tai-chi.
If you suffer from back pain during your periods, a 30-minute back, neck and shoulder massage can help ease tension and help release endorphins (the body’s feel-good hormones) to relieve pain. If you’re dealing with endometriosis and have skin concerns due to this, I would recommend consulting with a qualified skin doctor who can tailor a bespoke skincare plan for you.
