Dictionary of Allergies .. Hydrous Benzoyl Peroxide

Hydrous Benzoyl Peroxide

Hydrous benzoyl peroxide releases slowly oxygen and acts as a bactericidal. It has also keratolytic, antiseborrheic, and irritant properties. It is used mainly in the treatment of acne vulgaris and acne rosacea. The bactericidal action on Propionibacterium acnes decreases the production of irritating fatty acids in sebum, and the keratolytic action helps peel the caps from the comedones. It is especially irritating to skin on the neck and circumoral areas. Excess dryness of the skin and desquamation may occur after 1 to 2 weeks of use Benzoyl peroxide appears to be a potent sensitizer and can cause contact dermatitis [1].

However, compared to the large amounts used, clinical allergic contact dermatitis is relatively uncommon [2]. Available for more than 5 decades, benzoyl peroxide has been a "workhorse" of acne therapy. The benefits of this agent include reduction in Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) with decrease in inflammatory lesions, efficacy as both "leave on" and cleanser formulations and reduced emergence of antibiotic-resistant P. acnes strains. As the effect of benzoyl peroxide on P. acnes is a direct toxic effect rather than as a "true" antibiotic, resistance to benzoyl peroxide does not occur and has never been reported. Benzoyl peroxide in hydrophase base (Brevoxyl Creamy Washes and Gels) has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of acne, with lower irritancy than other benzoyl peroxide preparations. It is felt that the low irritancy of this product is related to a unique delivery vehicle containing dimethyl isosorbide, which dissolves benzoyl peroxide crystals on the skin [3].

References

1. Harvey, S.C.: Antiseptics and Disinfectants; Fungicides: Ectoparasitiades. In Goodman and 2. Leyden, J.J., and Kligman, A.M.: Contact sensitization to benzoyl peroxide. Contact dermatitis, 3:273, 1977.

3. Weinberg JM. The utility of benzoyl peroxide in hydrophase base (Brevoxyl) in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Drugs Dermatol. 2006 Apr;5(4):344-9. Comment in: J Drugs Dermatol. 2006 Sep;5(8):705.