The Risks and
Side Effects of Prescription Acne Medications
With various forms of acne striking teens as well as adults, benzoyl peroxide is
one of the most common treatments for acne. Many of the products on the market
today contain benzoyl peroxide including popular lotions, soaps, gels and
creams. Most of these acne treatments are sold over the counter under such
manufacturer names as Neutrogena Acne, Benoxyl, Clear by Design, PanOxyl, Clean
& Clear, Clearasil and Oxy.
Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that frequently causes acne
infection; known as P. acnes. While this bacteria is present in almost everyone,
it begins to create a problem and leads to the presence of acne when the
sebaceous glands become clogged with sebum. Redness, pain and swelling result
from the infection. As the medication kills the bacteria, the excess sebum dries
which may lead to some of the more frequent side effects noted for this acne
treatment.
As a peeling agent, one of the most common side effects of benzoyl peroxide for
acne treatment is the fact that it tends to irritate the skin. Depending on the
user, this irritation can range from slight to more severe. Individuals who
possess very sensitive skin are cautioned to use the medicine less often or user
a weaker strength of the medication. In some cases in which the medication
causes the skin to become overly reddened or even peel, it may be necessary to
consult a physician. Benzoyl peroxide can also cause the following conditions:
• Blistering, crusting or swelling of the skin
• Severe burning or redness of the skin
• Skin rash
• Darkening or lightening of the skin
• Discoloration of hair as well as fabrics
Many manufacturers recommend continual use of benzoyl peroxide for optimal acne
treatment results, leading to the question of whether there might be any long
term effects related to the use of this product. Due to the fact that benzoyl
peroxide generates free radicals, there has been concern expressed that long
term use of this acne treatment could lead to the development of skin cancer
later in life. At the current time, there are no studies to indicate this;
however it remains a theoretical concern.
Women who are pregnant are cautioned to consult their physician prior to using
any acne treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide due to the fact that the
effects of benzoyl peroxide on a developing fetus remain unknown.
Benzoyl peroxide does tend to cause skin irritation, especially in sensitive
skin, so individuals with such conditions as eczema or sunburned skin are also
cautioned not to use it.
In a clinical study performed by the Department of Dermatology at the University
of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor; a combination gel acne treatment
containing benzoyl peroxide was tested in more than 1250 patients with moderate
to moderately severe acne vulgaris. The combination gel contained a 5% benzoyl
peroxide solution. The most common side effect noted was dry skin with some
isolated incidences of localized skin irritation.
Source: PubMed; Curtis 2001 Feb; 67(2Suppl):13-20
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