Acne Medicine Man

Archive for January, 2008

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Although acne usually strikes most often in the teenage years and subsides as we get older, for many this is not the case. Things can get complicated for those using medications over many years to treat their zits. The course of suppression may continue for decades beyond your teenage years and because of this you should not only consider how well your treatment is working for you but also the long term effects involved.

Back in the early 1980′s the debate concerning benzoyl gel started to heat up when long term side effects became more of a national concern. Although the FDA reported that the treatment was safe to use the fact that this product produces what is known as “free radicals” was cause for alarm. It has been known for quite some time that free radicals can in fact be a responsible link in the cause of cancer.

There have been literally hundreds of reports manufactured over the years by various medical publications that have done research concerning this product as a link to cancer risk. Although theory plays a major part a good number of them support this risk. Nevertheless, in 1995 the FDA changed their position in categorizing the safety of benzoyl gel from a level 1 to level 3 category “safety unknown.” Due to research done on lab rodents such as hamsters and mice concern has been raised that benzoyl peroxide may promote cancer in these types of animals.

It is important to remember the large amounts of benzoyl gel administered to these creatures. We must also remember that the time in which these amounts were allowed to remain in contact with these animals does not necessarily mirror that type of contact in human beings. During the 1970′s similar types of testing was conducted with the artificial sweetener know as cyclamates. This prompted warnings that the sweetener may be a culprit in the cause of cancer. These warnings were later dismissed as it was highly improbable that most people would never drink 50 cans of soda daily for years in order to reach the level of concentration which equaled the minimal amount of sweetener given to the lab rats. It is not known proportionally how much exposure to benzoyl gel is needed to actually be labeled as a cancer causing risk.

When talking about long term side effects it is important to consider that there are many products one can purchase to treat acne. Of many long term side effects that have been reportedly associated with these medications, benzoyl peroxide appears to be among one of the safest products in the group. Unlike antibiotic medications, resistance by the bacteria that cause acne won’t happen. Because benzoyl peroxide is used externally, there is no risk to any internal organs as there might be associated with medication which would have to be taken orally. Benzoyl peroxide medications come in a variety of strengths which allows you to use only that concentration that helps with the suppression of your acne outbreak.

A study conducted in 1991 by the University of Miami to weigh the associated risks of using benzoyl gel. The results of that study were negative for skin cancer among people who use benzoyl peroxide to treat acne. Skin color, nationality and family history of skin cancer were the determinable factors in that study. One interesting note is that those who seem to raise the biggest questions concerning benzoyl peroxide are usually those who are selling products that do not contain it. This is not to insinuate that there is no risk involved.

There are many opinions circulating when it comes to treating zits. Make it a part of your routine to check them out.

Do not hesitate to seek the advice of your physician and ask serious questions. Do a little research on the products that are available for fighting zits. It is only by making informed decisions and testing products to find out which works best that you will achieve the radiant skin you desire.

Copyright: 2008 Acne Medicine Man

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One of the many questions I get lately is: “Should I be afraid of an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide and should I use it?” Good questions! This product has been used for decades and is available over the counter and prescription strength. So, inquiring minds want to know! How good is it, how does it work and are there allergies?

Ok. Let’s talk a little bit about benzoyl peroxide and how it works. It’s a great product so lets check it out. Benzoyl peroxide, Resorcinol, salicylic acid and sulfur are all FDA approved over the counter active ingredients designed particularly to fight your acne. They all work quite well. Benzoyl peroxide should be generally thought of as an antibiotic of sorts which is topically applied as an acne treatment. It is rated just below the number one treatment, oral tetracycline in it’s effectiveness.

The “benzoyl” part acts like a propellant for the “peroxide” to get deep into the follicle where it releases oxygen that effectively kills the Anaerobic Acne P. bacteria. This is the bacteria that is specifically responsible for causing all the pain and suffering you experience from acne lesions. Specifically acne vulgaris. Anaerobic just means that the Acne P. bacteria cannot survive in an environment that is rich in oxygen. Oxygen is what we what then! It will provide a toxin environment.

Keep in mind that since your body provides the living quarters and food for the bacteria to survive, you can pick a treatment designed to follow suit. There are products such as Retin-A, azelaic acid or glycolic acid (consult your physician on these) that will actually help clear the follicle and prevent unsuitable living quarters. A product such as benzoyl peroxide actually kills off the bacteria thereby keeping the them in check or even eliminating the breakouts altogether. If you are using the topical antibacterial method in fighting your acne you must remain diligent. Missing even a day or two can result in a whole new onslaught of acne by allowing the bacteria to regroup. You don’t want that to happen. One of the really great attributes of benzoyl peroxide is that the bacteria cannot become resistant to the treatment. Where there is oxygen, they will die. This is the “toxic” effect it has on the bacteria rather than a “true” antibiotic effect. Because of this the bacteria cannot develop resistance to it.

It is also a great anti-inflammatory preparation which also helps to reduce swelling and redness associated with it. This is of course unless you are hypersensitive to the product. That is not the same as an allergy and I will discuss that in another article. Depending on the severity of your acne outbreak, it could take weeks or even a couple of months for improvement to occur so don’t give up! Just use the product as directed. You should start to see results within a few days.

Now, let me ask you a question. Do you really think you can eliminate your acne overnight buy some of the “miracle” products I see selling all over the net? Huh? Come on people. Don’t buy into that scam.

Now that we have defined exactly what and how benzoyl peroxide works lets talk about the side effects just briefly. Some people experience them and some don’t.

If you use a very high concentration of benzoyl peroxide you may experience very dry, red or scaly skin. This will also happen if you apply it way more often than is necessary. Now, if these type of symptoms become severe it may signal an allergic reaction to the product. Allergic reaction of this type will usually include some swelling and itching and most probably some tenderness of the affected area. If that should occur try using an over the counter hydro cortisone based cream. This usually works wonders in counteracting minor allergic reactions.

Overall clinical studies have shown that less than one percent of the population actually shows any type of contact sensitization to benzoyl peroxide over time at low strength levels. It has been proven to be one of the most effective acne treatment there is and these clincal tests have occurred over many decades. That doesn’t mean that you cannot be that one person who does experience some type of reaction. So, be aware of how the product is working for you. If you do experience swelling or severe crusting of your skin after using benzoyl peroxide discontinue it’s use and consult your physician. There are many other products you can try and something will work for you.

Hope this answers your question on this topic. Stay tuned as my next post will deal more specifically on the long term effects of benzoyl peroxide. If you have suffered from acne for many years you need to be aware of the latest finding on long term use.

Copyright 2007 Acne Medicine Man

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