About Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is primarily used in the treatment of acne. Acne is a skin condition that causes clogged hair follicles, called pimples. Acne most often affects the face, shoulders, neck, chest and back. Benzoyl peroxide comes in several different strengths and types. The types of benzoly peroxide used in the treatment of acne include soap, pads, and topical gel, solution, cream, lotion and liquids. Benzoyl peroxide can also be used to treat bed sores (decubital ulcers) and other types of ulcers called stasis ulcers. An ulcer is defined as a type of sore that is open and often painful.
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Warnings
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Certain precautions must be taken for using benzoyl peroxide. Those who have had allergies should use caution, especially those with medication allergies or allergies to this medicine. All other types of allergies should also be reported to the patient's doctor including allergies to foods, animals, preservatives or dyes. Children twelve years of age and younger should be cautious because according to the Mayo Clinic no studies about how benzoyl peroxide might affect this age group have been conducted. Those in the geriatric age group should also be cautious for the same reason because according to the Mayo Clinic no studies about how benzoyl peroxide might affect this age group have been conducted either.
Interactions
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Certain drugs, medical problems and lifestyles may adversely interact with benzoyl peroxide. Those taking medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, need to let their doctor know so that they can monitor the patient and make any dosage changes or medication switches. Certain foods, tobacco products and alcohol may cause adverse reactions so the patient should discuss these with their doctor. Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, dermatitis and sunburned skin, may become overly irritated if benzoyl peroxide is used so patient's with these skin conditions should not use this medication.
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Proper Use
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Those who are prescribed benzoyl peroxide should use it exactly as their doctor tells them to. They should not use it more often or apply more than their doctor recommended. Using additional benzoyl peroxide or applying it more often can lead to skin irritation. This medicine should not be applied around the lips or eyes and it should not be applied on the areas of the neck that are sensitive. It should not be applied inside the nose. Benzoyl peroxide should not be applied to open wounds or skin that is sunburned or windburned. Patients taking this medication should fully read all directions and ask any questions before starting this medication to avoid adverse reactions.
Precautions
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Many patients using benzoyl peroxide will experience some skin irritation in the first few weeks. This irritation typically decreases as their skin gets used to it. According to the Mayo Clinic most patients will notice their acne improving in about four to six weeks. However, if their acne has not improved by this time they should contact their physician. Many patients will, however, notice that their acne may worsen before it begins to improve. Those using benzoyl peroxide should not wash the area or apply any other topical medications to the area within an hour of applying this medication. Patients should also avoid using certain other products when using benzoyl peroxide. These products may include skin products that make the patients skin more sun-sensitive, hair removal products, hair dye, other topical acne treatment products, abrasive or drying skin products, alcohol-containing skin products and certain soaps, skin cleansers and cosmetics.
Side Effects
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Benzoyl peroxide is a drug so it can cause side effects. If side effects occur the Mayo Clinic suggests that patients alert their doctors. The least common side effects of benzoyl peroxide include peeling or drying skin, red skin, warm skin, stinging skin, painfully irritated skin, skin rash, swelling, severe redness, burning or blistering, itching and crusting. Benzoyl peroxide may also lead to an overdose. Signs of Benzoyl peroxide overdose include severe swelling, burning, redness, scaling or itching.
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