Benzoyl Peroxide

Information About Benzoyl Peroxide

Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is commonly used to treat acne and stasis ulcer

How Benzoyl Peroxide Works

Benzoyl Peroxide has antimicrobial and mild keratolytic action by releasing free-radical oxygen which oxidises acne-causing bacterial protein. Benzoyl Peroxide works actively against bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes.

Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide

Dry skin, Reddening of the skin, Irritation, Itchiness, Exfoliated skin, Swelling face

Authorship

Written By

Dr Sri Viknarajan

MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed By

Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli

MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Benzoyl Peroxide Related Warnings

Alcohol Safe

As Benzoyl Peroxide is used topically, the risk of interacting with alcohol consumed is nil. It is therefore to consume alcohol while applying Benzoyl Peroxide.

Pregnancy Not Safe

There is limited data conducted on the animal reproductive studies and also on pregnant human with topical Benzoyl Peroxide. Animal studies did not indicate harmful effects on reproduction while no adverse reaction to the human fetus or the pregnancy has ever been recorded.

Lactation Limited Data

It is not known whether Benzoyl Peroxide is excreted into the human breastmilk or not. It is not advisable to apply topical Benzoyl Peroxide on the chest to avoid accidental contact with the infant.

Driving Generally Safe

Benzoyl Peroxide is not known to affect the ability to drive or concentrate thus it is safe to be used before driving.

Kidney Safe If Prescribed

Benzoyl Peroxide is not used for internal consumption and the amount absorbed into the circulatory system also is negligible to cause any effect even though it is excreted by the urine. It is, therefore, safe to be used even in a patient with renal impairment.

Liver Limited Data

Benzoyl Peroxide is not metabolised by the liver and with only little amount absorbed through the skin into the circulatory system, Benzoyl Peroxide does not cause any harm to the liver. Dose adjustment is not needed in hepatic impaired people.