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Acne (topical)

Generic Name: Benzoyl peroxide [ben-zoey-il-per-ox-ide]

Drug Class: Topical acne agents

What is Acne?

The topical application of benzoyl peroxide can be used for treating acne and can be applied to other skin issues as suggested by your physician. Epsolay(r) lesions topical cream can fight inflammation lesions (pimples or red bumps) that are caused by rosacea.

Epsolay (r) topical cream can only be purchased upon prescription by your physician. A few of the products for the skin are also available on prescription.

Before you take Acne

If you decide to try a medication, the potential risks of using it should be evaluated against its benefits. The decision is one that you and your physician will make. To determine the appropriate medicine, factors to consider are:

Allergies

Inform your physician if you are ever experiencing any strange or allergic reactions to this medication or any other medication. Be sure to inform your health specialist if you suffer from any different types of allergies, for example, to food dyes, chemicals, preservatives, or even animals. If you are using non-prescription medications, make sure to review the label and package ingredients with care.

Pediatric

Studies of the appropriate nature haven't been conducted on the relation of age to the effect of epsolay (r) of topical cream on children. Its safety and effectiveness haven't been proven.

While appropriate research on the relation between age and the effect of benzoyl peroxide topical products has not yet been carried out on children aged 12 years old or older, no specific problems affecting children have been identified until now.

Geriatric

The studies that have been conducted to date haven't revealed geriatric-specific issues that could hinder the use of epistolary (r) topical creams for people who are elderly.

While appropriate research on the connection between age and the effect of benzoyl peroxide applied to the skin hasn't been conducted for the elderly population, no specific geriatric issues have been identified to date.

How to get Acne?

It is vital to use this medication strictly as prescribed. Avoid using more of it. Also, do not make it a habit to use it frequently or for longer periods of time. Also, do not take it for a longer period than your doctor has instructed. This could result in the skin becoming irritated. It is possible that you will need to apply this medication for weeks or even months before your skin begins to look better. 

The medication comes with a leaflet with information for patients. Take the leaflet and read it with care. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure.The medicine should be used on the skin. Treat it to avoid getting it into the eyes, nose, or lips. It can also be used to treat the mouth or vagina. Avoid using it on parts of your skin that are prone to cuts, scratches, or sunburn. If it gets into these areas, clean it out immediately.

Prior to making use of any other acne cream for initially for the very first time, apply a very small quantity to one or two smaller areas affected by the face for three days. If you don't feel any discomfort, then follow the guidelines on the information label on the bottle.Cleanse your hands using soap and water prior to or after using this medication.

When using cream: cream:

  • Be sure that your face is clean and dry prior to applying this treatment.

  • Place a thin coating on the area affected and apply it gently.

  • As you begin using this product, make sure to prime the pump by pressing it down until the first drop of cream releases.

For the use of lotion, gel, or stick:

  • After applying the cream, wash the affected area with unmedicated soap and water or a mild cleanser, and afterward, gently dry it with a towel.

  • Use enough medication to cover the area affected and apply it softly.

For the shaving cream:

  • Be sure to moisten the area to be shaved.

  • Make sure you apply a little bit of the shaving cream, then gently massage the region.

  • Shave. Wash the area thoroughly and then rub it dry.

  • Aftershave creams, lotions, or other dry cosmetics for the face shouldn't be used without consulting your physician first.

For use with the cleanse bar, cleanse lotion, and soap:

  • Make sure to clean the affected areas according to the instructions.

For use with the face mask:

  • After applying, cleanse the area of concern with a non-medicated cleanser. After that, rinse the area and then dry.

  • In a circular motion, apply a thin coating of the mask in an even layer to the area affected.

  • Let the mask dry for between 15 and 25 minutes.

  • After that, wash thoroughly in warm water. Pat dry.

It is not recommended to wash the areas of your skin that have been treated with benzoyl peroxide for at least 1 hour following the application.

Beware of getting this drug in your hair or on colored fabric. The medication can bleach your hair and dye your clothes.

Details on Dosage

The dosage of this medication can differ for various patients. Take your prescription from your physician or follow the instructions printed on the label. This information is only for the doses that are typical of the medicine. If you are taking a different dose, you should not alter the dose unless your doctor instructs you to change it.

The quantity of medicine you consume is contingent on how strong the medication is. Additionally, the number of doses that you are taking each day, the interval between doses, and how long you use the medication will depend on the condition that you're treating with the medication.

  •        

    To treat acne:

  •        

    For topical dosage forms (cleansing bars):

  •        

    Adults and children twelve or older should take it two or three times a day, or as recommended by your physician.

  •        

    Children who are younger than 12 years old: dosage and frequency must be confirmed by your physician.

  •        

    Topical dosage forms (cleansing cream, lotion, and gel):

  •        

    Children older than 12 years old: Apply the cream to the area(s) affected that are on the surface of your skin for 1 to 2 minutes every day.

  •        

    Children under 12 years old: The dosage and frequency should be established by your physician.

  •        

    For topical dosage form (facial mask):

  •        

    Children and adults older than 12 years old: Take once a week or according to the instructions of your physician.

  •        

    Children under 12 years old: dosage and dosage must be assessed by your physician.

  •        

    For topical dosage form (lotion):

  •        

    Children and adults 12 or older should touch the skin area(s) on the face from 1 to 4 times per day.

  •        

    Children under 12 years of age: The dosage and dosage must be approved by a doctor.

  •        

    For topical dosage forms (sticks):

  •        

    Adults and children twelve or older on the skin area(s) on the face between 1 and 3 times daily.

  •        

    Children under 12 years old: use and dosage should be regulated by your physician.

  •        

    Inflammatory lesions that are caused by rosacea

  •        

    For topical dosage form (cream):

  •        

    Adults should apply the lotion to the affected region of the face once per day.

  •        

    Use and dosage for children should be determined by your physician.

What Should be Avoided?

It is crucial that you have your doctor review your progress on a regular basis

to ensure that your medication is functioning properly as well as to determine if there are any undesirable adverse effects.

Patients who are taking

Epsolay (r)

topical cream:

  • The medicine could cause severe allergic reactions like angioedema or anaphylaxis. These could be life-threatening and require urgent medical care. Consult your physician in case you notice chest tightness, coughing, trouble swallowing, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat, hives or the skin's rash or itching, and a large, hive-like swell around the eyes, face, and lips, tongue, hands, feet, sex organs, breathing problems, and unusual fatigue or weakness.

  • Skin reactions that are serious (e.g., skin irritation, contact dermatitis) such as irritation, pain, burning, itching, dryness, redness, peeling, as well as stinging, scaling, or scaling of the skin, could be experienced during the treatment process with the medication. The doctor might advise you to apply a moisturizer for skin irritation.

  • The medicine could increase the sensitivity of your skin to the sun. Wear sunscreen and loose-fitting clothing when you're outside. Beware of sunlamps and tanning beds.

For the first three months you're using benzoyl peroxide, the skin can become sensitive. Additionally, acne can worsen until it improves. If your skin condition persists after four to six weeks, talk to your physician.

Certain prescription (otc) acne treatments can trigger rare and potentially dangerous allergic reactions. Talk to your doctor now if you notice symptoms of hives, itching, problems breathing, swelling of your eyelids, face, or tongue, tension in your throat, or feeling faint when applying these products to treat acne.Don't use the OTC acne cream after you've had a severe allergic reaction to the product.

Beware of using other topical medications around the same site for at least one hour prior to or following the application of benzoyl peroxide. If not, the benzoyl peroxide will be ineffective.

Unless you are told by your doctor that you should not, it's crucial to not use these skin care products in the same place, such as benzoyl peroxide.

  • Other products for acne on the face or products for skin that contain the ingredient peeling (e.g., resorcinol or salicylic acid, sculpture, and retinoid);

  • Hair products that can be irritating, including permanents and products to remove hair;

  • Skin care products can cause sensitivities to the sun's rays, like those with the spice lime or other ingredients.

  • Skincare products that have a substantial amount of alcohol, like astringents, shaving creams, and after-shave lotions,

  • Products for the skin that can be too dry or rough, like some products, soaps, or cleansers for the skin.

Utilizing these products in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide can result in mild or severe irritation to the skin. While skin irritation is possible occasionally, some physicians let benzoyl peroxide be applied in conjunction with retinoid to treat acne. Most often, tretinoin will be applied in the evening to ensure that it does not cause problems in conjunction with other cosmetic products that you utilize in the daytime. Talk to your doctor prior to applying any other medications for the skin using benzoyl peroxide.

Consult your physician at any time your skin gets overly dry or inflamed. The doctor will help select the appropriate skincare products to minimize dry skin and irritation.

Side effects of Acne

As well as their necessary results, medicines can produce unwanted side effects. Though not all negative side effects are likely to occur, if they do, they might require medical attention.

Talk to your doctor promptly in the event that you experience any of these negative side effects:

More uncommon

  • Burning, pain, and changes in color; dryness and peeling; itching; swelling; redness; or a swell of the skin area where the medication is put on.

Mild effects

  • Chest tightness

  • Cough

  • Difficulties in swallowing

  • Dizziness

  • Fainting

  • Fast heartbeat

  • Itching, hives, skin itching, or a rash

  • Increased sensitivity of the skin to the sun

  • A large, hive-like swelling appears around the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, and legs. Feet, or the sex organs

  • Redness, or any other coloration, of the skin

  • Severe sunburn

  • Eyelids, lips, or the tongue

  • The throat is tight.

  • Trouble breathing

  • Uncommon tiredness or weakness

Certain side effects can be experienced that usually don't require medical treatment. They may fade in the course of treatment as your body adapts to the medication. In addition, your healthcare expert may give you suggestions to minimize or eliminate certain side effects. Talk to your healthcare specialist if any of the adverse reactions listed above persist or become bothersome, or if you have questions regarding these:

Adverse side effects

  • Peeling or dryness of the skin (which may appear after a few days)

  • The sensation of warmth, some stinging sensations, as well as redness and irritation of the skin.

Some other side effects not listed can also happen in certain patients. If you experience any additional side effects, talk to your doctor.

Consult your physician for medical advice.

Interaction with other Drugs

While certain medications should not be taken together, in other instances, two medicines can be combined even though interactions could occur. In such cases, the doctor might want to alter the dosage or take other measures that may be needed. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether you're using any prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter [otc]) medication.

Involvement with alcohol, tobacco, and food

Certain medicines shouldn't be consumed at the time you eat foods or eat specific types of foods, as they could cause interactions to happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction with some medicines could create interactions. Talk to your doctor about when you take your medication if you are taking it with alcohol, food, or tobacco.