What should I do about skin irritation from the patch?

I'm having some skin irritation.

Apr 18, 2016 Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Some people do experience irritation from the adhesive in the patch.

Try this: You could try moving it to another recommended spot on your body to see if that lessens the effect. You can also put a little over-the-counter cortisone cream on the affected area to help reduce the irritation. Or, if you’ve been moving it around, try keeping it in one spot.

Still not working?

If it doesn’t get any better, you might consider a method without adhesive, the the pill the shot, the implant, an IUD, or the ring.

Want to learn more?

Select one of the related topics to find more.

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Related methods

Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.

birth control
Birth control patch
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you only have to worry about it once a week.
birth control
Birth control ring
Very effective if you use it correctly. Easy to use and works like the pill, but you don't have to worry about it every day.
birth control
IUD
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private (though some partners can feel the strings). You can choose hormonal or non-hormonal.
birth control
Implant (Nexplanon)
Super effective, lasts for years, low-maintenance, and private.
birth control
Birth control shot
Very effective if you use it correctly. Lasts for months, is private, and is a good hormonal option for those who can't take estrogen.