Medical News

One of the most commonly used ingredients, Benzoyl Peroxide can be extremely efficient in treating modest cases of non-inflammatory acne. It’s secure for children as well as adults, and could be combined with other topical or oral solutions.

How it works

It works by killing the acne causing P.acnes bacteria in the skin. It acts as an antiseptic and oxidizing agent, reducing the amount of comedones, or blocked pores. When using Benzoyl Peroxide, you should remain patient, because it needs about 2-3 weeks till it totally starts working and you can see first results.

Keep in mind: Yes, B. Peroxide eliminates the acne causing bacteria, but it does not change the natural resistance of your body to bacteria in general. So even when your breakouts begin to vanish, you should proceed treating acne-prone areas. You want to know the reason? This course of acne treatment kills bacteria, but it does not affect sebum creation or the rate at which you shed your dead skin cells. If you quit using it, the bacteria – and your acne – will return.

Where can you get it?

Benzoyl peroxide is available in a wide range of gels, creams, lotions and cleansers in non-prescription concentrations of 2.5%, 5% and 10%. It is also available in presciption medications such as BenzaClin®, Benzamycin®, and Duac™. As with any product, read the label carefully and follow the instructions for proper use.

What type of side effects could occur?

The most common and regular side effect is dryness of the skin. If the skin is visibly scaly, apply a light oil-free moisturizer.

If you experience an ongoing dryness and irritation of your skin, give your skin a pause from benzoyl peroxide and change to a lower concentration product.

You can also try to lessen the frequency of using benzoyl peroxide containing acne products, when you find your skin gets mildly irritated. If irritation is severe or persists even with infrequent application, discontinue use.

Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis (red, dry, itchy skin) can be due to irritation or allergy. If you receive dermatitis quit using the benzoyl peroxide acne product asap and buy a hydrocortisone cream from your local drugstore to treat your skin.

Allergy: 1-2% of the population experiences a mild allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide. This is usually characterized by itchiness and redness.

Another side effect benzoyl peroxide has, is its bleaching properties. It can easily bleach your clothes, towels, linens and pillow cases. So it is necessary to make sure that your skin is completely dry before you dress or go to sleep.

Do celebrities get Acne?

With all the money at their disposal and the best doctors they can call we may think that celebrities skin does not show spots. The truth may be otherwise. Acne does not know the owner of the skin and it appears anywhere on anybody if conditions are conductive. Recently a study found that stress is one of the causes of acne. All celebrities live a life of stress. It is not easy to face the cameras and be in public glare all the time. The worry of failure may also be causing a lot of stress. This will cause acne in some celebrities.

How about the makeup? A celebrity may use the best make up that is non comedogenic. But it does block the skin pores. It may contribute to acne. Those who need a skin that is flawless and free of any kind of spots do get acne. So do all of us. The best is to treat acne in the right manner.

Keep your skin as much clean as possible. Do not over wash. Avoid stress. If you get acne, do not get stressed. That may flare up the acne. Acne medication takes time to treat acne. Be patient and use your medicine regularly. If you find that a food is causing breakout of acne avoid that food. Do not pop up acne. That may cause scarring.

Change your medication after two to three months. That will not allow acne to become resistant to a particular medicine. Use antibiotics if infection develops. Infection may cause scars. The common medicines made from Benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic Acid are good for most kind of mild acne. Use retinoids for less severe acne. Use retinoids to treat blackheads and keep your skin young.

Treatment using Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is considered the most effective drug for acne. It is a type of Vitamin A and is taken orally. Isotretinoin can treat severe acne effectively. The problem is that Isotretinoin also has many side effects. The major concern is pregnancy. it has to be strictly avoided during or before pregnancy. It may cause birth defects in the new born. There are other side effects of Isotretinoin such as dry lips and mouth, swelling of the eyelids or lips, crusty skin, nosebleeds, indigestion, thinning of hair, etc.

Serious side effects include depression, aggressive behavior, sun sensitivity, muscle pain, fever and painful swallowing.

There are some other serious side effects of Isotretinoin. The point is that though Isotretinoin is highly effective in treating acne it needs to be avoided as far as possible. How to do that?

1. Begin treatment of acne as soon as the first spot appears.

2. If you have a family history of severe acne, it would be better to consult a doctor.

3. Try and keep your skin clean and free of oil. Excess washing does not help.

4.Try not to get stressed. Stress may increase acne.

5. Use common remedies such as Benzoyl Peroxide, salicylic Acid and AHAs to control acne in initial stages.

6. Use antibiotics at the first sign of infection. Amongst antibiotics, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Doxycyline and Erythromycin are commonly used.

7. Consult your doctor about light treatment.

8. Avoid any kind of facial if you have an acne outbreak.

9. Use noncomedogenic cosmetics and skin care products.

10. Use oil free hair care products.