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Comedolytic
- Kills follicular Bacteria (esp. the Gram Positive organism, Propionibacterium acnes)
- Resistance cannot develop to Benzoyl Peroxide
- Benzoyl Peroxide should be considered in every Acne Vulgaris Management strategy
- Reduces Antibiotic Resistance risk in protocols using oral or systemic Antibiotics
- Benzoyl Peroxide alone
- Cream 5%, 10%
- Gel 2.5%, 5%, 10%
- Lotion 5%, 10%
- Combination
- Benzoyl Peroxide with Clindamycin (Benzaclin)
- Benzoyl Peroxide with Erythromycin (Benzamycin)
- Gel 50 mg Benzoyl Peroxide and 30 mg Erythromycin
- Apply to skin bid, morning & evening
- May cause skin dryness, erythema, Pruritus
- Benzoyl Peroxide/sulfur (Sulfoxyl Regular or Strong)
- Lotion
- Benzoyl 5%, Sulfur 2%
- Benzoyl 10%, Sulfur 5%
- Apply daily to twice daily
- May cause skin dryness and Contact Dermatitis
- Start with 2.5% or 5% (less irritating)
- Typically applied in the morning
- Apply to clean skin each day for 3 days
- Apply to region of skin (not only over comedones)
- Slowly increase strength of application
- However 10% preparations are likely to cause more irritation without significant increased benefit
- Often alternated with topical Retinoids (e.g. Benzoyl Peroxide in AM, Retin A in PM)
- Later increase time left on skin
- Least expensive Comedolytic ($4 per 30 grams in 2017)
- Safe in pregnancy
- May cause skin dryness or irritation (burning,redness, stinging, peeling)
- Use water based instead of acetone or Alcohol product
- Use Lotion or cream instead of gel
- Bleaches hair, skin and clothing
- As of 2024, FDA is looking into reports of Benzoyl Peroxide degradation (esp. when exposed to high Temperatures)
- Store Benzoyl Peroxide in a cool environment (or refrigerator)
- Avoid keeping Benzoyl Peroxide bottles in hot environments (e.g. hot car, shower)
- Replace expired bottles
- (2024) Presc Lett 31(5): 26-7
- (2017) Presc Lett 24(1): 3
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