Guide To Benzoyl Peroxide

Potential Side Effects

Benzoyl peroxide can cause the skin to become red and dry. Patients may notice that their skin starts to flake or peel. These side effects tend to be most severe during the first few weeks of treatment. Benzoyl peroxide causes the skin to dry out more than some other acne medicines. Individuals who use treatments with higher percentages of benzoyl peroxide typically experience more skin dryness. Some patients notice rough patches of skin while using benzoyl peroxide.

It is common to have redness, burning, and itching immediately after applying the medicine. Patients should contact their doctor if they notice severe skin irritation, severe redness, or blisters. Allergic reactions to benzoyl peroxide are very rare. However, patients should get immediate medical care if they develop hives, breathing difficulties, or swelling of the lips or tongue while using this medicine.

Get information on the precautions to remember with this medication next.

Precautions To Remember

Since treatment with benzoyl peroxide can cause significant skin irritation for some patients, dermatologists recommend beginning treatment slowly. Patients are advised to apply this medication every other day for the first one to two weeks. This will help their skin adjust to the medicine and reduce the severity of skin dryness. Patients should apply moisturizer to the treated skin at least twice a day. They can do so more often if their skin is very dry. If severe dryness develops, individuals can apply moisturizer to the treatment site first and apply the medication over the moisturizer. This technique allows the moisturizer to act as a buffer, reducing the side effects.

Since benzoyl peroxide increases sensitivity to the sun, patients need to wear sunscreen daily. Benzoyl peroxide stains fabric and clothing. Thus, patients should make sure that it does not make contact with their clothing during application. Patients should wash their hands with soap and water immediately after they apply this medication.

Continue reading to uncover the potential medication interactions next.