question: I started taking birth control (Portia) a little over two years ago to treat my severe cramps. Less than two months afterwards I developed a bad skin rash/hives on my face, neck and arms. I consulted several doctors who could not give me an exact cause, and when asked about my new birth control pill being a cause they all adamantly said it would not. Ever since then I have had serious skin problems. Exzema runs in my family, but my skin reactions are way worse producing rashes around my eyes, mouth and face, which I have never experienced before. I have stopped wearing makeup and only use 100% natural skin products. I had allergy testing done as well, which came back completely negative so they diagnosed me with non-allergic rhinitis (which hormones do play a large role in) -- but the skin rashes still continue. Could this be a result from the pill (I m now taking Apri, with the same issues) and is there another option I can choose to minimize my severe skin reactions? The rashes do appear worse shortly before I start my period and especially when I m in the heat/sun. Any type of product or clothing seem to trigger a reaction, no matter how careful I am.