Benzoyl peroxide adverse effects

Adverse effects are generally mild and include dryness, erythema, and itching.18 Although rare and seen most often with oral therapy, pseudomembranous colitis can occur with the use of topical clindamycin.19 As with any antibacterial agent, the possibility of resistance exists with the use of topical erythromycin. However, co-administration of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide has been shown to decrease the incidence of resistance, as well as to improve symptoms of mild to moderate inflammatory acne.20... 

Benzoyl peroxide is a potent contact sensitizer in experimental studies, and this adverse effect may occur in up to 1% of acne patients. Care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes. Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidant and may rarely cause bleaching of the hair or colored fabrics. 

Apply once or twice daily, preferably after washing with soap and water. Treatment should be started with lower strength formulations. Adverse effects can include local skin irritation, such as scaling and redness, particularly on commencement of therapy. If this occurs advise the patient to reduce the frequency of application. Benzoyl peroxide formulations can also cause bleaching of clothes. 

Benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide encourages peeling of the ontermost layer of the skin and, as mentioned previously, is a mild bactericidal agent. It kills bacteria by virtue of its oxidizing properties. It is often inclnded in prescription acne medications, and in nonprescription acne prodncts snch as gels, lotions, and cleansers. It may be used alone or with other treatments. At even low concentrations (2.5-10%), benzoyl peroxide diminishes the popnlation of Propionibacterium acnes. The most common adverse effects are dry skin and bleaching of the skin. 

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