Benzoyl peroxide: a review of its current use in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
BACKGROUND
Owing to the use of topical and systemic antibiotics for acne vulgaris, the incidence of antibiotic-resistant Propionibacterium acnes is increasing worldwide. Topical benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is an alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of acne vulgaris.


OBJECTIVE
This review describes and evaluates recent clinical literature regarding the efficacy and tolerability of BPO.


METHODS
A PubMed literature search was conducted using the keywords benzoyl peroxide, acne, and combination therapy.


RESULTS
BPO is equally effective at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0 and 10%. However, a concentration-dependent irritant dermatitis can occur with higher concentrations. The efficacy of BPO can be enhanced when used in combination with topical retinoids, antibiotics and tertiary amines. BPO-containing combinations do not induce bacterial resistance and are important first-line treatments for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
Sagransky
Matt
M
Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Center for Dermatology Research, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1071, USA.
Yentzer
Brad A
BA
Feldman
Steven R
SR
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D011425:Propionibacterium acnes / Q000187:drug effects
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide