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.