Many teenagers, and young adults alike, use benzoyl peroxide products without even knowing it. As a matter of fact, people from nearly all walks of life – regardless of age, gender, race, or ethnicity – use this common organic compound. With its many uses, benzoyl peroxide products are nearly as commonplace as sand is in a desert.
Common Benzoyl Peroxide Products
In the world of medicine, benzoyl peroxide products are well-known for their acne treating properties. Most of this type of product can be purchased without a prescription and can be found in nearly any department or drug store across the nation; such acne treatments can come in cleanser, foam, lotion, or salve forms. As with most over-the-counter purchases, benzoyl peroxide products should be used carefully; avoid eye, nose, and mouth contact while using only on the affected areas. Consult a physician if extreme irritation occurs and persists for an extended period of time.
Other Uses
Though benzoyl peroxide products are fairly common, there is a side to this organic compound of which few people are aware. As could be assumed by its name, benzoyl peroxide is in the peroxide family – a related set of compounds renowned for their bleaching properties. Along with its many uses as acne and blemish treatments, it is also used for bleaching flour, dyeing hair, and whitening teeth.
Similar to many of its peroxide relatives, benzoyl peroxide products have powerful bleaching qualities and should be handled with extreme care. Careless contact with fabrics or hair can cause nearly instantaneous color dampening, thus resulting in irreversible damages to the affected areas.
Side Effects
Benzoyl peroxide products have side effects typical of bleaching compounds; these include peeling, itching, reddening of the skin, and varying degrees of irritation. If any of these effects occur, discontinue use of the product until you have spoken with a physician or pharmacist. More than likely, the course of treatment will remain the same, but the frequency and amount of use may be altered to a level your body can safely handle. While using medications containing benzoyl peroxide, be sure to follow all product instructions to avoid possible negative reactions; many people rationalize misuse by believing that more is better, though this is often not the case.
Although unlikely, there are those who are seriously allergic to benzoyl peroxide products. Symptoms of such a reaction will include rash, intense itching, swelling (typically of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these side effects, immediately seek medical attention.
Other Possible Side Effects
As with many topical medications, benzoyl peroxide products may increase an individual’s sensitivity to sunlight. It is recommended that individuals using such products avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Decrease your chances of irritation and negative effects by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen when out-of-doors.
Benzoyl peroxide products often contain some type of perfume or other inert additive; therefore, it is important to notify your doctor or pharmacist of all your known allergies to avoid unnecessary exposure risks.
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