Benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide): functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide) what medicine?

Benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide) is a topical drug commonly used to treat acne. These drugs are available at pharmacies in various forms, ranging from gels, creams, to soaps.

This medicine contains antibacterial properties that act to kill Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes, the main bacteria that causes acne. Sometimes the antibacterial properties of this drug can be increased by mixing it with other antibiotics, such as clindamycin.

Apart from acne, benzoyl peroxide also effective for dealing with other skin problems, such as reducing sebum (oil) and dead skin cells.

This medication has different concentrations, depending on the condition and needs of your skin. Therefore, if you have a severe acne problem, usually a dermatologist will prescribe an adjusted level of benzoyl peroxide.

How to use benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide)?

Benzoyl peroxide can come in many different forms. That is why they are used differently. Concentration level benzoyl peroxide in each product may be different.

Here is how to use it benzoyl peroxide, depending on the shape of the product:

• Acne cream or lotion: apply 1-2 times a day to all parts of the facial skin to treat and prevent pimples from coming back.
• Face wash: use 1-2 times a day to treat and prevent acne on the face.
• Liquid or bar soap for the body: use 1-2 times a day when you shower, usually for acne that appears on the chest, back, and other parts of the body.
• Gel: usually contains higher levels of benzoyl peroxide so that it is enough to apply a little to treat acne.

Before using this medicine, wash your hands first. Also clean the skin that will be smeared benzoyl peroxide, then dry with a towel.

Apply benzoyl peroxide lightly and evenly, or as directed by your dermatologist.

Make sure you avoid the eye and mouth area when applying this medicine. Do not apply benzoyl peroxide to open wounds, sunburned skin, dry peeling, or irritated skin.

How to save benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide)?

Store benzoyl peroxide at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Do not store this medication in the bathroom or freeze it.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

How about the dosage benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide) for adults?

Use benzoyl peroxide for adults, either in the form of gel, cream or soap, starting with 1 use a day. Increase the amount of use to 2 or 3 times a day, depending on the needs or recommendations of the dermatologist.

If the skin shows signs of dryness or peeling, you can reduce the dosage to 1 a day.

How about the dosage benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide) for children?

Topical medication benzoyl peroxide can only be given to children 12 years of age and over. The dose is not much different from the dose given to adults. Use once a day for the first time, then increase the dose to 2-3 times a day if necessary, or depending on the direction of a dermatologist.

You can also reduce the dosage of benzoyl peroxide for children to 1 time a day if there are symptoms of dry and flaky skin.

In what dosages and preparations is this drug available?

Acne medication benzoyl peroxide available in various forms, namely:

• gel
• cream or lotion
• face wash soap
• liquid soap or bar soap for body parts other than the face

The concentration of benzoyl peroxide in each product is usually in the range of 4 to 10 percent.

Generally, medications for acne problems on facial skin contain lower levels of benzoyl peroxide. This is because facial skin tends to be more sensitive.

Meanwhile, for other body parts (such as the chest and back), the drugs given have levels benzoyl peroxide which is much higher.

Side effects

What side effects may occur after using benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide)?

Same with other medicines, benzoyl peroxide also has the potential to cause side effects. This is more likely if it is your first time using this medication.

Drug benzoyl peroxide may cause an allergic reaction or irritation, ranging from mild to severe.

Side effects that are mild and fairly common include:

• a stinging or burning sensation
• skin feels itchy
• dry, peeling, or scaly-like skin
• red and irritated skin

Talk to your doctor about these effects, especially if they occur for a long time. The doctor may reduce the dose benzoyl peroxide, or replace it with another acne medication.

Immediately stop using benzoyl peroxide if any of the following signs occur:

• The itching and burning sensation gets worse
• The skin gets red and keeps peeling
• Hives (urticaria)
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• The head feels light

Precautions and Warnings

What needs to be known before using this drug?

Before using certain drugs, incl benzoyl peroxide, consider the risks, benefits, and side effects of the drug first. Here are some things you need to pay attention to and know:

Allergic reactions

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual, allergic reactions benzoyl peroxide or other drugs. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies.

If you bought it without a prescription, read the label carefully.

To test if your skin has an allergic reaction, you can try applying a small amount of the product benzoyl peroxide on areas of skin with acne. Do this trial for 3 days.

If no allergic reactions occur, you can immediately use the benzoyl peroxide product according to the level stated on the packaging label, or that has been recommended by a doctor's prescription.

However, if your skin shows signs of allergies after wearing benzoyl peroxide, immediately consult the problem to your dermatologist. It is possible that the doctor will change the dose of the drug or provide a replacement drug, such as:

• salicylic acid(salicylic acid)
• sulfur
• tea tree oil
• adapalene

Use for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you are not advised to use this drug to treat acne. Benzoyl peroxide tends to dry out your skin, which can make your sensitive skin worse.

Therefore, tell your doctor if you have dry or sensitive skin. Your doctor will either adjust the benzoyl peroxide level or prescribe a milder acne medication, such as salicylic acid.

is benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide) safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Drug benzoyl peroxide included in the pregnancy risk category C according to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

This means that benzoyl peroxide may not be safe for pregnant women because of the potential risks. However, there is not enough research to prove the impact of use benzoyl peroxide in mother and fetus.

You can consult your doctor first about using this drug during pregnancy.

Drug interactions

What drugs may interact with benzoyl peroxide (benzoyl peroxide)?

Drug interactions can change the performance of the drug or increase the risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor all types of drugs you take (prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbs), especially if you are taking:

• adapalene
• bexarotene
• dapsone
• isotretinoin
• tretinoin
• trifarotene

What health conditions can affect the action of this drug?

Generally, dermatologists do not recommend that you use benzoyl peroxide if you have sensitive skin. This is because this drug may cause more severe side effects on sensitive skin, such as irritation and redness.

Benzoyl peroxide should also not be given to people who suffer from skin problems such as eczema (eczema) or seborrheic dermatitis.

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.