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Acne: Treatment With Benzoyl Peroxide

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Overview

Acne: Treatment With Benzoyl Peroxide—Topic Overview

Benzoyl peroxide is a medicine you use to treat acne. It comes in different strengths in lotions, gels, soaps, and liquids.

How does benzoyl peroxide treat acne?

Benzoyl peroxide unclogs skin pores. It also helps stop bacteria from growing and causing acne pimples and cystic lesions.

At first, acne may get worse. Your skin may get red and peel. It's not a quick fix. You may need to use the product for as long as 4 to 6 weeks before your acne starts improving.

Does it have side effects?

Side effects of benzyl peroxide for some people include:

  • Dry or peeling skin.
  • Skin that feels warm.
  • Tingling or slight stinging.

While using a product that contains benzoyl peroxide, call a doctor if you develop:

  • A rash or itching.
  • Blisters or a burning feeling.
  • Redness.
  • Swelling.

Who should not use this product?

Talk to a doctor before allowing a child younger than 12 to use a product that contains benzoyl peroxide.

Where can I get benzoyl peroxide?

You can buy products that contain benzoyl peroxide in the grocery store or pharmacy. Look at the outside package to find products that have benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient. Strengths range from 2.5% to 10% benzoyl peroxide. Start with the lowest strength to see how your skin reacts. Brand names include Brevoxyl and Triaz.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.