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.