Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne

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With various forms of acne striking teens as well as adults, benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common treatments for acne. Many of the products on the market today contain benzoyl peroxide including popular lotions, soaps, gels and creams. Most of these acne treatments are sold over the counter under such manufacturer names as Neutrogena Acne, Benoxyl, Clear by Design, PanOxyl, Clean & Clear, Clearasil and Oxy.

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that frequently causes acne infection; known as P. acnes. While this bacteria is present in almost everyone, it begins to create a problem and leads to the presence of acne when the sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum. Redness, pain and swelling result from the infection. As the medication kills the bacteria, the excess sebum dries which may lead to some of the more frequent side effects noted for this acne treatment.

As a peeling agent, one of the most common side effects of benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment is the fact that it tends to irritate the skin. Depending on the user, this irritation can range from slight to more severe. Individuals who possess very sensitive skin are cautioned to use the medicine less often or user a weaker strength of the medication. In some cases in which the medication causes the skin to become overly reddened or even peel, it may be necessary to consult a physician. Benzoyl peroxide can also cause the following conditions:

• Blistering, crusting or swelling of the skin
• Severe burning or redness of the skin
• Skin rash
• Darkening or lightening of the skin
• Discoloration of hair as well as fabrics

Many manufacturers recommend continual use of benzoyl peroxide for optimal acne treatment results, leading to the question of whether there might be any long term effects related to the use of this product. Due to the fact that benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals, there has been concern expressed that long term use of this acne treatment could lead to the development of skin cancer later in life. At the current time, there are no studies to indicate this; however it remains a theoretical concern.

Women who are pregnant are cautioned to consult their physician prior to using any acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide due to the fact that the effects of benzoyl peroxide on a developing fetus remain unknown.

Benzoyl peroxide does tend to cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive skin, so individuals with such conditions as eczema or sunburned skin are also cautioned not to use it.

In a clinical study performed by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor; a combination gel acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide was tested in more than 1250 patients with moderate to moderately severe acne vulgaris. The combination gel contained a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution. The most common side effect noted was dry skin with some isolated incidences of localized skin irritation.

How to start treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide?

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Benzoyl peroxide makes an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne. Start with a lotion or gel in a 2.5% strength. Higher percentages are available but may irritate the skin. Start with a lower strength to allow your skin to become acclimated to the benzoyl peroxide treatments. Move up to a higher strength if results are not seen after several weeks.

Most common treatment methods call for a thin layer of benzoyl peroxide lotion to be applied over a thoroughly cleansed and dried skin. It can be used once or twice daily. Apply thoroughly over all areas affected by acne. Do not use just as a spot treatment. Benzoyl peroxide must be applied to all affected areas of the skin, as it works to stop pimples before they erupt.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair, towels, and clothing. Take great care during and after application to avoid letting it come in contact with any of these materials. You may want to wear an old shirt if benzoyl peroxide is applied to the back or body. Let the lotion dry thoroughly after your nightly skin care treatments before getting into bed at night, to avoid bleaching your pillowcase.

How Benzoyl Peroxide works?

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Benzoyl peroxide works by destroying P. acnes, the bacteria that causes the condition acne. It acts as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent, reducing the number of comedones, or blocked pores. It may be 2–3 weeks before you begin to see improvement.
One of the most commonly used ingredients, Benzoyl Peroxide can be very effective in treating mild cases of non-inflammatory acne. It’s safe for children as well as adults, and may combined with other topical or oral treatments.

While benzoyl peroxide kills existing P. acnes, it does not increase your body’s natural resistance to bacteria. So even when your breakouts begin to disappear, you should keep treating acne-prone areas. Why? This course of acne treatment kills bacteria, but it does not affect sebum production or the rate at which you shed your dead skin cells. If you stop using it, the bacteria — and your acne — will return.

Propionibacteria acnes, are the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. They cannot live in an aerobic (oxygen-rich) environment. Benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen into the pore, thereby killing P. acnes. When the bacteria population is reduced, the number of breakouts on the skin is reduced as well.

Another factor that makes benzoyl peroxide so effective is its ability to help rid the follicle of excess dead skin cells. Clearing the pore of cellular debris will lessen the chance of pore blockages, or comedones. Because of this, benzoyl peroxide helps prevent breakouts before they start.
The use of benzoyl peroxide often must be continued, even after acne clears up. Once treatments are stopped, bacterium populations can increase and acne may return. Your dermatologist can help you determine how long to continue your benzoyl peroxide treatments.

Benzoyl Peroxide storage

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Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Shaving and Benzoyl Peroxide

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To use the shave cream form of benzoyl peroxide:
• Wet the area to be shaved.
• Apply a small amount of the shave cream and gently rub over entire area.
• Shave.
• Rinse the area and pat dry.
• After-shave lotions or other drying face products should not be used without checking with your doctor first.
You can also apply Benzoyl peroxide cream after you shave your skin, in case you have a special Benzoyl Peroxide Foam.

Proper use of Benzoyl Peroxide

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It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may cause irritation of the skin.
Do not use this medicine in or around the eyes or lips, or inside the nose, or on sensitive areas of the neck. Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If the medicine gets on these areas, wash with water at once.
Do not apply this medicine to windburned or sunburned skin or on open wounds, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
This medicine usually comes with patient directions. Read them carefully before using the medicine.
To use the cream, gel, lotion, or stick form of benzoyl peroxide:
• Before applying, wash the affected area with nonmedicated soap and water or with a mild cleanser and then gently pat dry with a towel.
• Apply enough medicine to cover the affected areas, and rub in gently.
To use the cleansing bar, cleansing lotion, or soap form of benzoyl peroxide:
• Use to wash the affected areas as directed.
To use the facial mask form of benzoyl peroxide:
• Before applying, wash the affected area with a nonmedicated cleanser. Then rinse and pat dry.
• Using a circular motion, apply a thin layer of the mask evenly over the affected area.
• Allow the mask to dry for 15 to 25 minutes.
• Then rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
After applying the medicine, wash your hands to remove any medicine that might remain on them.

Benzoyl Peroxide and interactions with other drugs

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Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
• Dermatitis, seborrheic or
• Eczema or
• Red or raw skin, including sunburned skin—Irritation will occur if benzoyl peroxide is used with these conditions

What should I know if I’m using Benzoyl Peroxide?

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If a person is using a cleansing liquid or bar, they should wash thoroughly but gently with the product once or twice daily as directed. A small amount should be applied, not just to the outbreaks themselves, but also to the areas where outbreaks occur. Avoid getting benzoyl peroxide in the eyes, mouth or nose. If contact is made with these sensitive areas, flush gently with water and contact a physician if inflammation or irritation continues.

Benzoyl peroxide comes in a cleansing liquid or bar, lotion, cream and gel for the use on the skin. Benzoyl peroxide is also a key ingredient in many over-the-counter acne topical medications. Be aware when using products that feature benzoyl peroxide, because it has a bleaching effect on hair and clothing. They may also affect your cloth-covered furniture.

While using benzoyl peroxide, you should always avoid anything that might irritate the skin such as abrasive soaps or cleansers, alcohol, cosmetics and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Benzoyl peroxide dries out the skin, so some redness and peeling should be expected. It could take up to 4 to 6 weeks to see a noticeable improvement in your symptoms. If none is noticed by the end of that time frame, then you should contact your doctor.

Benzoyl Peroxide in the top 5 treatments for mild acne

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Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the top five recommended treatments for mild acne, including whiteheads and blackheads. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent, but acne does not discriminate against age, sex or race.

While not a life threatening condition, acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can lead to permanent scarring.

Even less severe cases can lead to scarring. While acne is not curable, it is 100% treatable with Benzoyl Peroxide.



The properties of benzoyl peroxide make it extremely useful in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. The anti-inflammatory properties will reduce swelling in infected papules and pustules, allowing a relief from the soreness that often accompanies acne outbreaks. The oxidizing factor dries out the thickened sebum or fluid within the acne and helps to alleviate the plugged pores, so that acne may heal without trauma to the area caused by popping the acne. To be most effective, one should use a benzoyl peroxide exfoliator.

Benzoyl peroxide in children and elderly

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There is a special recommendation that children under the age of 12 should not use benzoyl peroxide to treat acne unless directed by a doctor.

For children up to 12 years of age: Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of benzoyl peroxide with use in other age groups.


For children 12 years of age and older: Although there is no specific information comparing use of benzoyl peroxide in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children 12 years of age and older than it does in adults.


Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of benzoyl peroxide in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected

Benzoyl Peroxide – Side effects

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Using benzoyl peroxide I never noticed some exaggerated side effects. Maybe, because my skin was already too much irritated so it would be difficult to differentiate now what was an side effect and what wasn't. But, as I found on some sites, there may be some side effects in benzoyl peroxide usage, so I decided to post them here.



Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using benzoyl peroxide topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
Some burning, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, dryness, peeling, or irritation may be experienced while using benzoyl peroxide topical. Contact your doctor if these side effects are excessive. Less frequent application of benzoyl peroxide topical may be necessary.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.



Some problems with using benzoyl peroxide include:

1. Dryness of the treated area. If the skin is visibly scaly, apply a light non-oily moisturizer.
   
2. Skin irritation is rarely severe. Occasionally excessive irritation may lead to discontinuing use. Consider applying benzoyl peroxide less frequently.
   
3. Contact dermatitis (red, dry, itchy skin) can be due to irritation or allergy. It can be treated with a topical steroid such as hydrocortisone cream. Contact a physician if the irritation is persistent.
   
4. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothing. Make sure the treated area is completely dry before it touches clothing or bedding.
   

If the following symptoms occur, contact a physician immediately:

• Burning
  
• Blistering
  
• Excessive itching
  
• Redness
  
• Rash
  
• Swelling
  

Benzoyl Peroxide Usage, Allergies

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Use benzoyl peroxide topical exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.



Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply benzoyl peroxide topical. Apply the medication to the affected area. Shake lotions well before use.



When applying benzoyl peroxide topical, avoid the eyes, the inside of the nose and mouth, the lips, and areas where the skin is broken to prevent excessive irritation. If you get medication on any of these areas, rinse it off with water.



Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions worse. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.
Do not cover the affected area after applying benzoyl peroxide topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.



Benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied one to three times daily.
Contact your doctor if you experience excessive burning, dryness, or irritation. Less frequent administration of the medication may be necessary.



It may take several weeks or more to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using benzoyl peroxide topical if you do not see results immediately.
Store benzoyl peroxide topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.



Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Benzoyl Peroxide – Precautions

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Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using benzoyl peroxide topical.

Avoid contact with clothing and hair. Benzoyl peroxide topical may cause bleaching.
Avoid combining sunscreen containing PABA and benzoyl peroxide.
Temporary skin discoloration may occur if they are used together.



Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions worse. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.



Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical during treatment with tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A). The combination could lead to severe skin irritation.



Benzoyl peroxide topical is the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether benzoyl peroxide topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.


Avoid using other topical products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of benzoyl peroxide topical.



Do not cover the area after applying benzoyl peroxide topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful. Do not cover the area after applying benzoyl peroxide topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.
It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Benzoyl Peroxide effects

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A known side effect is drying of the affected area. If scaling of the skin occurs, a light moisturizer should be applied to the area. If irritation occurs, use of the product should be discontinued.


The effects of benzoyl peroxide vary from person to person. It is always wise to consult a physician before beginning any treatments.

Which forms of Benzoyl Peroxide may be used?

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Benzoyl peroxide topical is available with a prescription and over the counter under many brand and generic names in liquids, lotions, creams, gels, facial masks, and soaps. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Benzoyl peroxide is available for use in many forms. Some are, gels, creams, cleansing bars, cleansing lotions, facial masks and sticks. It is strongly suggested to use benzoyl peroxide only as directed. The dosage recommended is intended to avoid skin irritation and allergic reactions. Be careful to avoid sensitive areas when applying this product such as eyes, mouth or inside the nose. If accidentally applied to these areas, it should be washed with cold water immediately. Be sure to apply to clean, dry skin. Application should start at once every other day then increased gradually if no side effects occur.



Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?

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Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away.
Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide is commonly used to treat mild acne topically. It consists of two parts benzoyl and one part peroxide. It is a strong bleaching agent, therefore when applied to hair or fabrics, can be decolorized immediately.

Benzoyl peroxide has three basic properties. It can be used as an effective antiseptic, an oxidizing agent or as an anti-inflammatory. It has the ability to reduce the number of skin surface bacteria, as well as reduce yeast on the surface of the skin. For these reasons, it is most effective in the treatment of acne. When used for this purpose, it is most often in the form of gel or cream with a concentration of 10% or less. It is advised to use in small amounts, as it has a high drying agent. Some people have been found to have allergic reactions to this chemical. For these people, it is recommended to use in very small quantities then gradually increase use. If allergies continue to persist, a gel with 2.5% concentration is also available. This product has been shown to be just as effective as the 10% concentrated form.

An overview on Benzoyl Peroxide in Acne

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With various forms of acne striking teens as well as adults, benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common treatments for acne. Many of the products on the market today contain benzoyl peroxide including popular lotions, soaps, gels and creams. Most of these acne treatments are sold over the counter under such manufacturer names as Neutrogena Acne, Benoxyl, Clear by Design, PanOxyl, Clean & Clear, Clearasil and Oxy.

Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that frequently causes acne infection; known as P. acnes. While this bacteria is present in almost everyone, it begins to create a problem and leads to the presence of acne when the sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum. Redness, pain and swelling result from the infection. As the medication kills the bacteria, the excess sebum dries which may lead to some of the more frequent side effects noted for this acne treatment.

As a peeling agent, one of the most common side effects of benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment is the fact that it tends to irritate the skin. Depending on the user, this irritation can range from slight to more severe. Individuals who possess very sensitive skin are cautioned to use the medicine less often or user a weaker strength of the medication. In some cases in which the medication causes the skin to become overly reddened or even peel, it may be necessary to consult a physician. Benzoyl peroxide can also cause the following conditions:

• Blistering, crusting or swelling of the skin
• Severe burning or redness of the skin
• Skin rash
• Darkening or lightening of the skin
• Discoloration of hair as well as fabrics

Many manufacturers recommend continual use of benzoyl peroxide for optimal acne treatment results, leading to the question of whether there might be any long term effects related to the use of this product. Due to the fact that benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals, there has been concern expressed that long term use of this acne treatment could lead to the development of skin cancer later in life. At the current time, there are no studies to indicate this; however it remains a theoretical concern.

Women who are pregnant are cautioned to consult their physician prior to using any acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide due to the fact that the effects of benzoyl peroxide on a developing fetus remain unknown.

Benzoyl peroxide does tend to cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive skin, so individuals with such conditions as eczema or sunburned skin are also cautioned not to use it.

In a clinical study performed by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor; a combination gel acne treatment containing benzoyl peroxide was tested in more than 1250 patients with moderate to moderately severe acne vulgaris. The combination gel contained a 5% benzoyl peroxide solution. The most common side effect noted was dry skin with some isolated incidences of localized skin irritation.