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Original poster

Had anyone used benzoyl peroxide - am I allergic?

13 replies

Troton · 02/04/2019 13:55

Does anyone or has anyone want see benzoyl peroxide.
I have used the 2.5% strength but even after only 2 very very light applications a day or so apart my skin goes very red and very dry and in some places looks a bit puffy and swollen.
Am I allergic to it?
I’ve tried the wash off one too and don’t seem to get redness as bad but still get very dry skin. I can’t really tell if the wash off one works though.
I am loathe to use moisturiser as it always breaks me out even more

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 02/04/2019 13:56

Sounds like it's not working for you. I can't use it either as it makes me bright red!

teta · 02/04/2019 14:30

My ds reacts quite badly too. The doctor has given him Adapalene instead which isn’t as harsh and is generally better tolerated. The brand name is Differin.

Original poster
Troton · 02/04/2019 14:41

Oops just seen my typo - my phone for some reason auto corrected “used” to “want see” !!

Thank you. Is differin working for your son? I tried it a couple of years ago and didn’t stick it out as it caused me more spots. It was the cream rather than the gel and seemed to block my already oily skin.
I’ve read lots of things about the red skin and dryness of using benzoyl peroxide only lasting a few weeks but am yet to meet anyone who has actually managed to get through those first few weeks!

OP posts:
teta · 02/04/2019 14:58

He’s only been on it about 6 days. So it’s a bit too early to say but it does appear to be working. He could only tolerate the Epiduo ( adapalene & benzoyl peroxide ) once a week and this he’s been able to use every day. Plus his spots have virtually dried up. However that might be due to the antibiotics as well. But I don’t think the antibiotics would work so rapidly.

Original poster
Troton · 02/04/2019 15:11

Thank you. Might be worth giving adepelene another go. Do you know if he’s using the gel or cream?

OP posts:
teta · 02/04/2019 17:09

I think it’s the cream because the doctor said this was gentler on the skin. How long did you use the Differin for? Because it can cause a initial purge due to bringing out all the spots underneath the skin. This initial exacerbation can take a few weeks to settle down.

FloofyDoof · 02/04/2019 17:43

Benzoyl peroxide works just as well if you leave it on for 5 minutes and then wash it off. Short contact therapy really reduces any irritation though. My DS uses it this way, as leaving it on made him red, sore and flaky. This way he's fine, he just uses a light moisturiser after washing it off.

EntirelyAnonymised · 02/04/2019 17:48

It is very drying. Are you using a moisturiser afterwards?

It breaches coloured fabrics too, so watch your towels/bed linen/clothes.

EntirelyAnonymised · 02/04/2019 17:48

bLeaches

Original poster
Troton · 02/04/2019 21:26

Thanks @floofydoof I will try that. Is it the acnecide wash off one he uses or just a normal gel that’s designed to be left on?

I try to avoid moisturisers @EntirelyAnonymised as every one I’ve used ever has always clogged up my pores and given me more spots!

OP posts:
FloofyDoof · 02/04/2019 21:55

It's just the normal one in the tube, that most people leave on.

Nala8 · 02/04/2019 21:59

I've used it before and it doesn't make my skin go red/swollen etc like you said just a little bit dry.

QuestionableMouse · 03/04/2019 20:08

Just realised something. Mine wasn't for acne but KP to try to reduce the bumps on my arma (gp said to give it a try.)

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