Benzoyl peroxide

[prp_1155]

Hi!
What are you thoughts on benzoyl peroxide?
Is it safe for hypersensitive skin?
Does skin get used to it?
Anya

[Dr Ed Seaton]

Hello,

Benzoyl peroxide is often a very effective treatment for acne. It gets rid of the bug that causes acne within a few days and often works very well. It is safe and and available in the pharmacy. The two main problems with it are skin irritation which can occur after a few days, and bleaching of fabric and hair (but not skin).

A few tips- Go for the lowest concentration you can find 2.5% is just as effective as 10% but much less irritating, make sure you have white bed linen and towels to avoid the bleaching problems, and use a non-comedogenic moisturiser and gentle skin cleanser at the other end of the day to reduce irritation. Make sure to apply a thin amount all over the area you get spots not just to the spots themselves.

Occasionally some people develop a proper allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide, which causes a bad itchy skin rash after a couple of days which will come on again every time it is reapplied. If this is the case you won't be able to use it at all.

Best wishes

Dr Ed Seaton