Sodium Chlorite Vs. Benzoyl Peroxide

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, three out of four teenagers will get acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is a common acne treatment that is available in drugstores and by prescription. Products containing sodium chlorite can be typically found on the Internet. Support for these products comes directly from the manufacturer's Web pages. No independent source can confirm sodium chlorite’s effectiveness and safety as an acne treatment. It is best to consult with your doctor before using any unfamiliar treatment.

Acne

Acne consists of whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. The condition develops when pores get clogged, and dirt, debris and bacteria accumulate. Acne usually appears on the face, but may also appear on the shoulders, trunk, arms, legs and buttocks. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or birth control pills, stress, steroids, greasy cosmetics and high levels of sweat are all acne triggers.

Treatment

To combat acne, it’s essential to remove dead skin cells, reduce sebum production and kill bacteria. Washing with a mild cleanser is enough to bring down sebum levels in mild acne cases. Depending on severity of acne, an appropriate lotion or drug therapy may be required to fight the acne-causing bacteria. A dermatologist will be able to make appropriate recommendations.

Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is common acne treatment. It comes in cleansers, lotions, soaps and creams. The over-the-counter creams contain 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Anything stronger must be obtained with a prescription.

Benzoyl peroxide works by introducing oxygen to the clogged pores. Bacteria cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. By oxygenating pores, benzoyl peroxide helps the skin shed dead cells. In this manner, it’s an effective cleansing mechanism. The oxygen works as a bacteria-fighting agent. Oxygenation, however, does not just affect the bacteria. It may cause dryness and peeling of skin. If you experience burning, itching, redness, rash or swelling, stop using the product and contact your doctor.

Sodium Chlorite

Sodium chlorite has many industrial applications, such as water purification and disinfection. It comes in two forms--flakes or a solution. In its dried state, sodium chlorite is a white or light yellow solid. The compound is very alkaline and stable

Sodium chlorite also bleaches textiles and is an antimicrobial treatment in the food industry. It’s an ideal disinfectant for food-processing equipment.

The Environmental Protection Agency classifies sodium chlorite as highly toxic. Sodium chlorite is a powerful oxidant, and if consumed, it may cause kidney failure. No information exists to confirm that sodium chlorite is a reliable acne treatment. The American Dermatologic Association, for example, makes no mention of sodium chlorite as a form of acne treatment.

Sodium Chlorite: Buyers Beware

U.S. Food and Drug administration has issued a warning regarding a line of products that feature sodium chlorite as the key ingredient. The FDA states that the manufacturer of these products, including The Miracle Mineral Supplement, has been making unlawful disease treatment and prevention claims. FDA further explains that the products have not been recognized as safe and effective. See the link in References for the full FDA warning letter.

References

• MadeHow.com: Sodium Chlorite
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne
• Best Acne Treatment 2010: Does Benzoyl Peroxide work for acne?
• Trance-Health.com: MMS Scam
• Food and Drug Administration: Warning Letters