title: Benzoyl peroxide: enhancing antibiotic efficacy in acne management.
abstract: Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most widely used topical agents for acne. It has potent antibacterial and mild anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effects. To treat mild to moderate acne, it can be used alone or in combination with topical antibiotics and topical retinoids. The combination of benzoyl peroxide with either erythromycin or clindamycin is synergistic and well-tolerated. In more severe acne, when oral antibiotics are required, benzoyl peroxide can contribute to suppressing the emergence of resistant strains of Propionibacterium acnes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Dermatology, University of Toronto, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Maha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dutil
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D002981:Clindamycin; D004917:Erythromycin; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide