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Is Benzoyl Peroxide The Right Medicine For Acne Outbreak?

Posted on Thu, 16 Jun 2016

Question: Hey dr,

I have been using Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% for a Grade 2 acne outbreak with mild inflammation that I have but I was wondering is it ok to use that on its own? My current regime is using facial cleanser in the morning, patting my face dry, applying acne toner and then waiting 5-10 minutes to then apply acne moisturiser skin is of dry type. At night its basically the same procedure expect theres no Toner just the Benzoyl Peroxide and I wait 30mins to an hour before applying moisturiser and then going to bed. Now I went to my local doctor recently and he recommended ReTrieve 0.05% cream and he gave me a prescription for it but I have already been using the Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5% for the past 4 days so would it be worth switching to the ReTrieve or trying out the Benzoyl Peroxide for a couple of weeks to see how it goes? I have also attached images or my acne for reference.

Kind Regards,
XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You may continue to apply benzoyl peroxide gel 2.5%

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HCM..

I can understand your concern for Antiacne treatment. You suffer from moderate inflammatory acne. Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial skin disease.You may continue to apply benzoyl peroxide 2.5 % gel to apply at night on lesions. Beside that I would suggest as below..

- take tab azithromycin 500 mg thrice a week for few months..one on mon,tue,wed
- take tab zinc sulfate 200 mg daily at night
- cleanse the face with cetaphil lotion thrice a day
- avoid stress
- take good sleep
- avoid oily food and cream
- avoid to prick the lesions
- have patience

I hope this would help you.. Still, any query ..you may ask.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (5 hours later)

Thanks for the reply doctor, i've also just attached some images that didn't seem to send before to give you a better idea. The doctor also prescribed me minocycline but I am not quite sure I need it as of yet? With the Benzoyl Peroxide would I start to see results after 2-3 weeks with what I have?
Also is there any foods in particular that will help help with the healing process i've been trying to cut down junk food since it seems to make it a lot worse.

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Acne vulgaris

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back

Thanks for posting the photos. I saw photos, you are right..it is acne vulgaris grade 2, there are inflammatory and pustular lesions. You may follow treatment as suggested previously.

You may take either minocycline or azithromycin.

You may take cap minocycline 50 mg daily or azithromycin 500mg thrice a week. And you continue it for more than 6 months or till cure. The good result might take 3 months.

Continue to apply benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel on the lesions at night.

Clean the face with cetaphil lotion thrice a day daily.

Avoid oily, spicy food. Avoid cheese, butter and ghee.

Avoid stress and anxiety. Avoid to prick the lesions.

Have patience.

I hope this would help you in managing your acne. But, take treatment under observation of dermatologist.

Thanks..

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Ilyas Patel (4 hours later)

Thanks for that dr one last thing I forgot to mention is it ok to apply moisturiser over the top of Benzoyl Peroxide since my skin is of a dry type I have attached an image of the moisturiser I have. Is it also normal for there to be a white overlay after applying Benzoyl Peroxide I have attached an image
Also when you say Cetaphil which one are you referring to from this website in particular?:

http://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/Shop-Online/1032/Cetaphil
Would it also be ok to just use the Benzoyl Peroxide along with the Cetaphil and moisturiser for now to see of it would heal my acne problems without having to go onto Minocycline or any other oral treatment? It seemed to work with previous acne problems without having it so I was wondering if its worth trying first without it because of the possible side effects from taking it?

Answered by Dr. Ilyas Patel (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Acne vulgaris

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome back..

You may apply moisturiser lightly if you feel dryness on the face in the morning.

Kindly take oral treatment ..either minocycline or azithromycin in doses as mentioned previously to prevent the relapse of acne lesions as well as to improve the inflammed papules without worrying about the side effects.

And follow the advice as suggested previously to get early benefit.

Proper treatment will improve your acne, not the thoughts..ok

Have faith and patience.

Thanks.

Dr.Ilyas Patel MD

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar