Efficacy and side effects of Benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne

Efficacy of Benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is one of the most widely used topical acne medications. It has potent antibacterial, mild anti-inflammatory and acne-dissolving properties. It can be used when treating mild to moderate acne.

Benzoyl peroxide is generally available in the form of gels, creams, foams, and liquids for use. It can be applied alone or in combination with topical antibiotics and topical retinoids. Benzoyl peroxide is synergistic and well tolerated in combination with erythromycin or clindamycin. In patients with severe acne requiring oral antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide may inhibit the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Propionibacterium acnes.

In a clinical study of adapalene 0.1%/benzoyl peroxide 2.5% in the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe acne, it was shown that the combination of the two not only reduced inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, but also helped to prevent the formation of lesions and micropimples. Treatment with maintenance adapalene/BPO for 6 months prevented flare-ups in patients with severe acne and continued to reduce disease symptoms. In patients with more severe disease, combining adapalene/BPO with oral antibiotics for 12 weeks can be clinically effective. Recently, adapalene/BPO plus doxycycline 200 mg was found to be effective compared to isotretinoin in the treatment of patients with severe acne with nodules.

Triaz 10% Gel (benzoyl peroxide special gel) is a topical, 10% benzoyl peroxide acne medication with a vehicle containing glycolic acid and zinc lactate. This 12-week study, using lesion counts and assessment of adverse effects, was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of benzoyl peroxide special gel with Benzamycin (5% benzoyl peroxide and 3% erythromycin) in the treatment of moderate to moderately severe, papular-pustular, facial acne vulgaris. A placebo base served as a control. Over 3 months of therapy with twice-daily application, benzoyl peroxide special gel was at least comparable to benzoyl peroxide-erythromycin in reducing inflamed lesions (papules + pustules), noninflamed lesions (open + closed comedones) and the total of these lesions. Moreover, benzoyl peroxide special gel was significantly less drying.

The combination of 5% BPO gel with liquid cleanser and SPF 30 moisturiser also resulted in high subject satisfaction, tolerance and treatment compliance.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Benzoyl peroxide include dry skin, peeling or redness, burning or stinging of the skin (skin irritation). Severe cases may result in swelling of the skin or blistering of the skin. Secondly, patients who are allergic to the substance may also experience sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing; skin, tongue or lips turning blue, grey or pale; drowsiness or dizziness, which are generally rare. Contact your doctor if you experience any serious adverse reactions during use.

References:

[1] J. SKLAR. Evaluation of Triaz 10% Gel and Benzamycin in acne vulgaris[J]. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 1996. DOI:10.3109/09546639609086876.

[2] M. SHATALEBI  Maryam R. Preparation and Physicochemical Evaluation of Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Foamable Emu oil Emulsion[J]. Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products, 2015, 10 1. DOI:10.17795/JJNPP-16229.

[3] MI-RAN KIM; Nabil K. Combination of benzoyl peroxide 5% gel with liquid cleanser and moisturizer SPF 30 in acne treatment results in high levels of subject satisfaction, good adherence and favorable tolerability.[J]. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2018. DOI:10.1080/09546634.2017.1342758.

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