Everything about Benzoyl Peroxide Pads to get rid of acne

Acne is a problem that many people face, regardless of age. It is difficult to find someone who has not faced this problem, especially at a young age. So, there are various products in the market to control this acne. Among these, one that many people have heard of and that doctors recommend is Benzoyl Peroxide. Today we are going to talk about these pads containing benzoyl peroxide.

What is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Simply put, this is a medicine used to treat acne. We call these an antiseptic. This works by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria, which are the main cause of acne. When these bacteria are eliminated from the pores of the skin, acne is controlled. This medicine comes in the form of creams, gels, lotions, and also in the form of easy-to-use pads.

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Even though this is a topical medication, it's important to let your doctor know about certain things beforehand, as that information can help them decide whether it's right for you and how to use it.

Here are some things to definitely say:

• If you have an allergy to benzoyl peroxide or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you have large areas of burns or wounds on your skin.
• If you have lung diseases such as asthma .
• If your skin is very sensitive or you have other skin conditions.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

It is very important for your safety to talk to the doctor without hiding this information.

Okay, now let's see how to use this exactly.

This is very easy to use, but it's important to do it correctly.

1. First, cleanse your face: Before applying the medication, wash the acne-prone area thoroughly with a soap-free gentle cleanser, pat dry with a clean towel, and then pat dry. Do not rub your skin too hard, as this can make the skin rougher.

2. Apply with the pad: Now take the medicated pad and gently apply it to the areas with acne. If you don't want to apply it to your entire face, you can apply it only to the areas with acne.

3. Avoid sensitive areas: Avoid getting this medicine on sensitive areas like the eyes, lips, inside the nose, and around the mouth . If you accidentally get it on, wash it off immediately with water.

4. Do not apply to wounds: Do not apply this to areas where the skin is broken, chapped, or red. Doing so may increase inflammation.

5. Don't wash for an hour: Don't wash the area with water for at least an hour after applying the medicine. You need to give the medicine time to absorb into the skin and work.

What if I accidentally take too much medicine?

Since this is a topical medication, the risk of ingestion is low. However, if someone accidentally ingests it or uses it excessively, immediate action should be taken.

• Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital in Colombo.
• Or, take the patient to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

What are the contraindications for using this medicine?

When you use this medicine, some other medications may interact with it, which can have adverse effects on your skin. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

You should be especially careful when using benzoyl peroxide with things like:

• Adapalene
• Isotretinoin `(Isotretinoin)`
• Products containing salicylic acid or sulfur
• Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin or erythromycin
• Tretinoin `(Tretinoin)`

This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about any creams, medications, or even vitamins you are using.

Be careful of these things when using this.

1. Be careful of the sun: Your skin will become very sensitive to the sun when using this medicine. This means that your skin may burn and turn red quickly . Therefore, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you do go out, be sure to apply a good sunscreen , wear a hat, and wear long-sleeved clothing. Avoid sun lamps or tanning beds altogether.

2. Can discolor clothes: This is something that many people don't know. Benzoyl peroxide is a bleaching agent. This means that if it gets on your clothes, towels, and pillowcases, it can turn them white. So, apply the medicine and let it dry completely before getting dressed. It's also a good idea to use an old pillowcase when you sleep.

3. Avoid other things that dry out your skin: Since this medication can dry out your skin a bit, avoid using things that dry it out even more. For example, avoid using toners that contain alcohol and harsh scrubs .

Possible side effects

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But don't worry, most of the time these are not serious. However, it is important to know what these side effects are and what to do in such cases.

Where do you keep the medicine? What do you do if there is any left over?

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets .
• It is best to store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from extreme heat or cold.
• Do not use expired medicine.
• When disposing of unused or expired medication, check the package for instructions. If you are unsure whether to flush it down the toilet or throw it in the trash, ask your doctor. If you are throwing it in the trash, mix the medication pads with other trash (e.g., used coffee grounds, soil), seal the bag or container, and throw it in the trash.