Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Swollen Upper Lip After Using Benzoyl Peroxide?
Question: I was prescribed benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, salicylic acid 1% for acne. I got allergic reaction in using only 2 times.
I got swelling, redness, tightness of skin. I am feeling dryness, not able to open face comfortably, feels burning sensation when I apply moisturizer and feels itchy when anything touches my skin like air ,water drop and hair.
I mistakenly also applied around eyebrows.
Eyes feels heavy and upper lip are swallowen.
Please suggest treatment for these reactions.
I got swelling, redness, tightness of skin. I am feeling dryness, not able to open face comfortably, feels burning sensation when I apply moisturizer and feels itchy when anything touches my skin like air ,water drop and hair.
I mistakenly also applied around eyebrows.
Eyes feels heavy and upper lip are swallowen.
Please suggest treatment for these reactions.
Brief Answer:
Use a moderately potent topical steroid cream for a week
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thsnk you for wriging to js
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist).I have understood your concern. You seem to have developed irritation, which is quite a common side effect with both benzoyl peroxide and salicyclic acid. They should never be used together, specially in those with sensitive skin.
I suggest you to discontinue both of these for now. You may apply a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream(flutivate cream),twice daily for a week. This should resolve the irritation.
Thereafter use a gentle cleansing lotion e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion, twice daily for face wash along with benxoyl peroxide gel. Stop salicylic acid face wash.
Regards
Use a moderately potent topical steroid cream for a week
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thsnk you for wriging to js
I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist).I have understood your concern. You seem to have developed irritation, which is quite a common side effect with both benzoyl peroxide and salicyclic acid. They should never be used together, specially in those with sensitive skin.
I suggest you to discontinue both of these for now. You may apply a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream(flutivate cream),twice daily for a week. This should resolve the irritation.
Thereafter use a gentle cleansing lotion e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion, twice daily for face wash along with benxoyl peroxide gel. Stop salicylic acid face wash.
Regards
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
