Benzoylperoxide
About
Benzoylperoxide belongs to the class of medication called antibacterial agents primarily used to treat bacterial skin infections like acne (pimples). Benzoylperoxide is an organic compound with an irritant, keratolytic (remove warts, calluses), comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes), and anti-inflammatory activity. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
Benzoylperoxide contains ‘Benzoyl Peroxide’ that kills bacteria, reduces inflammation and unplugs blocked pores. Benzoylperoxide decomposes to release oxygen when applied to the skin. This oxygen acts as a bactericidal agent and kills Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Benzoylperoxide increases the turnover rate of epithelial cells (cells that line the surface of the skin), eventually helping in peeling the skin and treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). Benzoylperoxide also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oils and dirt to be washed away from the skin.
Benzoylperoxide is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, rinse with water immediately. Do not use Benzoylperoxide on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Common side effects of Benzoylperoxide include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, swelling, blistering, crusting, and skin rash. If any of the side effects persist or worsen, please consult a doctor.
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Benzoylperoxide or its components. Benzoylperoxide can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight; hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. Care should be taken while applying Benzoylperoxide on sensitive areas, such as the neck. Avoid Benzoylperoxide contact with hair or fabrics since it has bleaching properties. Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices while using Benzoylperoxide. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother.
Uses of Benzoylperoxide
Medicinal Benefits
Benzoylperoxide contains ‘Benzoyl Peroxide’, an antibacterial medication used to treat bacterial skin infections like acne (pimples). It is an organic compound with an irritant, keratolytic (remove warts, calluses), comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes), and anti-inflammatory activity. Benzoylperoxide kills bacteria, reduces inflammation and unplugs blocked pores. It decomposes to release oxygen when applied to the skin. This oxygen acts as a bactericidal agent and kills Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Benzoylperoxide increases the turnover rate of epithelial cells (cells that line the surface of the skin), eventually helping in peeling the skin and treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). Benzoylperoxide also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oils and dirt to be washed away from the skin.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Benzoylperoxide
- Dry skin
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Skin irritation
- Swelling
- Blistering
- Crusting
- Skin rash.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use Benzoylperoxide if you are allergic to Benzoylperoxide or any of its components. Let your doctor know if you have liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, and heart diseases before using Benzoylperoxide. Please inform your doctor if you are using any other medications, including vitamins, before starting Benzoylperoxide. Benzoylperoxide can make the skin more sensitive to the sunlight; hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Do not apply Benzoylperoxide on irritated and sunburned skin. Care should be taken while using Benzoylperoxide on sensitive areas, such as the neck. Avoid Benzoylperoxide contact with hair or fabrics since it has bleaching properties. Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices while using Benzoylperoxide. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Benzoylperoxide may interact with other drugs treating acne (isotretinoin, tretinoin, trifarotene, adapalene), and dermatological medications (bexarotene, dapsone).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol as it may increase the side effects of Benzoylperoxide.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Benzoylperoxide, let your doctor know if have liver, kidney, or heart diseases.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown if alcohol affects Benzoylperoxide. Please consult a doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionBenzoylperoxide is a pregnancy C category drug; hence it should be used with caution since it may affect the unborn baby. Please consult your doctor before using Benzoylperoxide if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere are limited studies on how Benzoylperoxide affects breastfed infants. Please consult your doctor before using Benzoylperoxide if you are breastfeeding. If you need to apply the cream or lotion on your breasts, don't do this shortly before giving a feed.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Benzoylperoxide affects driving ability. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before using Benzoylperoxide.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before using Benzoylperoxide.
Children
cautionBenzoylperoxide should be used in children only when advised by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
- Avoid harsh products on your skin.
- Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sleep.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent bacterial infections.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
Special Advise
- Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment with Benzoylperoxide.
- If the acne doesn't improve, ultrasound scanning of the abdomen is advised to check if there is any possibility of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne vulgaris (acne) is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules are all types of acne. It commonly occurs in teenagers though all age groups are affected.
FAQs
Benzoylperoxide contains ‘Benzoyl Peroxide’, an antibacterial medication used to treat bacterial skin infections like acne (pimples). It kills bacteria, reduces inflammation and unplugs blocked pores. Benzoylperoxide decomposes to release oxygen when applied to the skin. This oxygen acts as a bactericidal agent and kills Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne.
Your doctor may advise the initial dose as once daily in the evening. The dose may be increased to twice or thrice daily in the morning and evening.
Benzoylperoxide usually improves your skin condition in 4-6 weeks of treatment. If you notice no improvement after a month of treatment, please reach out to your doctor.
Please do not stop using Benzoylperoxide even if you feel better until the doctor's advised course is finished. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured.
It is advised to limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices if you are using Benzoylperoxide.
Benzoylperoxide can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence it is advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing after using Benzoylperoxide. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.