It is generally safe, has very few side effects, and it has been proven to be the most effective over the counter acne treatment. However, there are many more people who have more severe, or particularly resilient acne that is not susceptible to over the counter medications such as Benzoyl Peroxide.
Some of the most effective acne medications are available via prescription only. However, these are truly the “heavy guns" in the fight against acne, and are well worth looking into for anyone who has chronic or severe acne breakouts.
The most commonly prescribed acne medications are antibiotics such as Erythromycin and Trimethroprim. These are generally more effective than over the counter treatments because they work by treating the source of acne, the acne causing p.bacteria. Many acne sufferers find antibiotics work well for them in treating acne, and have fewer breakouts because of them.
However, one of the big drawbacks from using antibiotics is developing an immunity to them. This means that over time, the antibiotics are less effective in treating not only acne, but any form of bacterial infection including diseases such as strep throat and even some STD’s. This should be considered before undergoing an antibiotic regime to treat acne.
Another alternative is Retin A. Retin A is a topical acne treatment, and a derivative of Vitamin A. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, Retin A has been proven to be effective in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as acne and some acne scarring. Retin A is generally more effective in treating acne than antibiotics.
However, Retin A is not without side effects either. The skin becomes more sensitive to the sun, and exposure to the sun can be very damaging. Also, people with sensitive skin or a skin disorder such as eczema can experience severe redness, skin flaking, and irritation. In spite of this, most people who use Retin A find they are satisfied with the results, and don’t find the side effects overwhelming.
The most effective acne treatment currently available is Accutane. Accutane is also a derivative of Vitamin A, and is taken orally. It has been referred to as the acne “wonder drug", and for good reason. The majority of people who complete a 15-20 week session experience greatly reduced acne for years, and some never again have acne.
Accutane works by stopping sebum production in the skin. With no sebum, the acne causing p.bacteria do not have any way to grow. This results in clear skin, sometimes for life.
However, Accutane is not without side effects. The most severe are birth defects and mental disorders, such as psychosis and suicide. Dry skin, severe headaches, and hair loss are also common side effects. Though accutane is the most effective acne medication, it should only be used as a last resort, under close medical supervision.
Though there are other medications that are more effective than benzoyl peroxide, these are the most commonly prescribed, and are all worth consideration if one is experiencing severe acne. As always, a medical doctor should be consulted before trying any medication.
Take Benzoyl Peroxide exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Benzoyl Peroxide is generally available in market in the form of Capsules 100 mg , Capsules 200 mg . Cream, gel, or lotion is usually applied to affected area(s) qd or bid. Thoroughly wash and pat area(s) to be treated dry, then apply a thin film of cream, gel, or lotion to cover skin areas with acne lesions. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, and mucus membranes. Cleanser is usually used qd or bid. Wet skin area(s) to be treated prior to use of cleanser.
Dosage Instructions for Benzoyl Peroxide Drug
Treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris and as an adjunct to antibiotics, retinoic acid, and sulfur or salicylic acid-containing products in treating more severe cases of acne.
What are the Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide -
Like other medicines, Benzoyl Peroxide can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide include
* Excessive drying, manifested by marked peeling, * erythema, * possible edema, and * allergic contact sensitization/dermatitis.
Warnings and precautions before taking Benzoyl Peroxide :
* Advise patient before using Benzoyl Peroxide that medication is applied topically to skin lesions qd or bid. * Teach patient with acne proper technique for applying cream, gel, or lotion: wash hands; thoroughly wash and pat dry area(s) to be treated then apply a thin film of cream, gel, or lotion to cover skin areas with acne lesions. Wash hands after applying medication. * Caution patient before using Benzoyl Peroxide to avoid contact of medication with hair or colored fabrics because bleaching may occur. * Instruct patient before using Benzoyl Peroxide to avoid concurrent use of topical alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasives, and peeling agents unless advised by health care provider. * Caution patient not to cover treated areas with bandages or dressings. * Warn patient that applying medication more often than prescribed or in excessive quantities will not produce more rapid improvement or better results but will result in greater side effects such as redness, scaling, and discomfort. * Advise patient if an application is missed, not to try to make it up but to return to normal application schedule as soon as possible. * Warn patient to avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, lips, and mucous membranes. * Advise patient if cream or gel comes in contact with the eyes to wash eyes with large amounts of cool water and to contact health care provider if eye irritation persists. * Advise patient before using Benzoyl Peroxide that local stinging, burning, tingling, dryness, and redness are the most common side effects and to notify health care provider if they become bothersome. * Advise patient before using Benzoyl Peroxide if severe skin reactions occur to stop using the medication and contact health care provider. * Warn patient to avoid unnecessary exposure to sun and sun lamps while using this medication. Advise patient to use sunscreens and protective clothing over treated areas when exposure cannot be avoided. * Advise patient before using Benzoyl Peroxide to talk to health care provider before using any other topical agents (eg, medicated soaps, astringents, cosmetics, or other acne products) on treated skin. * Advise women before using Benzoyl Peroxide to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. * Warn patient not to take any prescription or OTC drugs or dietary supplements without consulting health care provider. * Advise patient before using Benzoyl Peroxide that follow-up visits to examine the skin lesions may be necessary and to keep appointments. * Caution patient before using Benzoyl Peroxide not to take any prescription or OTC medications, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.
What if Overdose of Benzoyl Peroxide ?
If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Benzoyl Peroxide , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Excessive scaling, erythema, edema are may be the overdose symptoms of Benzoyl Peroxide .
What if Missed Dose of Benzoyl Peroxide ?
If you miss a dose of Benzoyl Peroxide medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage Conditions for Benzoyl Peroxide :
Store Benzoyl Peroxide at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).
Both Arlen Ruler & Alison White are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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