Acne Treatment with Antibiotic Agents

Benzoyl Peroxide - Topical Acne Treatment

Benzoyl peroxide is a common and useful antibacterial agent that is available in both OTC forms and prescription forms.

Resistance to benzoyl peroxide agent does not appear to build over time.

Benzoyl peroxide gels, creams, lotions, and washes generally are supplied in concentrations of 2.5 to 10%. Some benzoyl peroxide products are extremely drying (e.g., brand Desquam-X) and are excellent for patients with excessively oily skin. By contrast, some are very well tolerated by those with dry skin (e.g., brands Desquam-E, Benzac AC).

Benzoyl peroxide is also available mixed with erythromycin (example brand: Benzamycin); this is an agent with a limited shelf life.

It is unclear whether 10% concentrations of benzoyl peroxide are more effective in acne treatment than are 2.5% concentrations. It is clear, however, that benzoyl peroxide is a potent bleaching agent with the ability to permanently bleach clothing, bedsheets, towels, hair and any coloured material with which it comes in contact.

Benzoyl peroxide washes or bars such as Benzac AC wash and Panoxyl Bar can be helpful in this regard, since the product is removed before it has the ability to bleach clothing.