YAZ is a brand of oral contraceptive that contains drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, two types of hormones that affect the female reproductive organs. Although YAZ is a type of birth control, your doctor may prescribe this medication to treat other conditions, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder. YAZ may cause certain side effects, although there is no evidence or indication that this medication causes skin dryness.
YAZ
Oral contraceptives such as YAZ contain a blend of estrogens and progestins, hormones that help prevent egg maturity and fertilization. This medication may also be prescribed as a type of acne treatment in females older than 14. YAZ takes about seven days to begin working, making it important to use an additional form of birth control during this time, warns MayoClinic.com. Taking the doses no more than 24 hours apart may help reduce the risk of side effects, as well as provide optimal protection against pregnancy.
Side Effects
YAZ can cause numerous side effects. The most common side effects involve breast tenderness, fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, headache, nausea and menstrual irregularities, according to Bayer, the company that manufactures YAZ. Serious side effects include blood clots, high blood pressure, cancerous tumors and gallbladder problems, although these side effects are not common occurrences in healthy women. Although there is no evidence suggesting that YAZ causes skin dryness, this medication may cause dark blotches to form on your facial skin, as well as lead to skin yellowing. Yellowing of the skin requires immediate medical attention.
Dry Skin
Although YAZ is not a likely culprit, dry skin may develop for various reasons, including exposure to temperature extremes and low humidity. Itching, scaling and cracking may accompany dry skin. These symptoms occur because of a loss of surface moisture. Keeping your showers and baths short, while using warm water rather than hot, may help reduce skin dryness. Using a mild cleanser, instead of soap, as well as drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier and applying moisturizing lotions regularly may also help alleviate dry skin.
Precautions
Tell your doctor about any side effects or unusual symptoms you experience while taking YAZ. Side effects that require immediate attention include severe headache, trouble speaking, shortness of breath, sudden blindness and severe chest pain. Skin dryness that fails to respond to home treatments may also require medical diagnosis and medication. Let your doctor know if your symptoms of dryness and itching interfere with your daily routine or your ability to sleep.
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