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The Miracles of Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the top five recommended treatments
for mild acne, including whiteheads and blackheads. Acne affects
most teenagers to some extent, but acne does not discriminate
against age, sex or race. While not a life threatening condition,
acne can be upsetting and disfiguring. When severe, acne can
lead to permanent scarring. Even less severe cases can lead
to scarring. While acne is not curable, it is 100% treatable
with Benzoyl Peroxide.
Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic. It reduces the number
of surface skin bacteria, but does not cause bacterial resistance
to antibiotics. It also reduces the number of yeasts on the
surface of the skin. Benzoyl peroxide is also an oxidizing
agent and it drains comedones (mild acne) on the skin surface
and acts as an anti-inflammatory. Simply put, benzoyl peroxide
on its own is a good treatment, but those products that offer
three-step kits far excel in effectiveness and prevention.
The properties of benzoyl peroxide make it extremely useful
in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. The anti-inflammatory
properties will reduce swelling in infected papules and pustules,
allowing a relief from the soreness that often accompanies
acne outbreaks. The oxidizing factor dries out the thickened
sebum or fluid within the acne and helps to alleviate the
plugged pores, so that acne may heal without trauma to the
area caused by popping the acne. To be most effective, one
should use a benzoyl peroxide exfoliator.
Benzoyl peroxide comes in a cleansing liquid or bar, lotion,
cream and gel for the use on the skin. Benzoyl peroxide is
also a key ingredient in many over-the-counter acne topical
medications. Be aware when using products that feature benzoyl
peroxide, because it has a bleaching effect on hair and clothing.
They may also affect your cloth-covered furniture.
If a person is using a cleansing liquid or bar, they should wash thoroughly
but gently with the product once or twice daily as directed. A small
amount should be applied, not just to the outbreaks themselves, but
also to the areas where outbreaks occur. Avoid getting benzoyl peroxide
in the eyes, mouth or nose. If contact is made with these sensitive
areas, flush gently with water and contact a physician if inflammation
or irritation continues.
While using benzoyl peroxide, you should always avoid anything
that might irritate the skin such as abrasive soaps or cleansers,
alcohol, cosmetics and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Benzoyl
peroxide dries out the skin, so some redness and peeling should
be expected. It could take up to 4 to 6 weeks to see a noticeable
improvement in your symptoms. If none is noticed by the end
of that time frame, then you should contact your doctor.
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Children under the age of twelve should not use benzoyl peroxide to
treat acne unless directed by a doctor.
Some problems with using benzoyl peroxide include:
- Dryness of the treated area. If the skin is visibly scaly, apply
a light non-oily moisturizer.
- Skin irritation is rarely severe. Occasionally excessive irritation
may lead to discontinuing use. Consider applying benzoyl peroxide less
frequently.
- Contact dermatitis (red, dry, itchy skin) can be due to irritation
or allergy. It can be treated with a topical steroid such as hydrocortisone
cream. Contact a physician if the irritation is persistent.
- Benzoyl peroxide can bleach clothing. Make sure the treated area is
completely dry before it touches clothing or bedding.
If the following symptoms occur, contact a physician immediately:
- Burning
- Blistering
- Excessive itching
- Redness
- Rash
- Swelling
Other Resources:
MedlinePlus: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a601026.html
Virtual Naval Hospital: http://www.vnh.org
Dermnet: http://www.dermnetnz.org/dna/acne/acne.ben.html
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