Summarize the following:
Benzoyl peroxide is the active ingredient in many topical acne medications, such as Benzac and Acne 10 Gel, among others. Acne medication containing benzoyl peroxide comes in many different forms, such as gels, bar soaps, lotions and facial washes. Some of these medications are available over-the-counter, while others require a prescription. Make sure you read the active ingredients of the product to know if it contains benzoyl peroxide and what strength. Benzoyl peroxide works as an antimicrobial and exfoliative agent, helping to kill bacteria and to increase skin turnover. Benzoyl peroxide also helps to dry excess oil on the face. It also works to reduce inflammation where it is applied. It is known that 1 – 2% of people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide.  While most people will experience skin irritation, redness and scaling with the use of benzoyl peroxide, these side effects should subside with time. If you continue to experience redness and scaling even when using very low concentrations applied on alternate days, you may be experiencing an allergic reaction to the drug.  Irritation is extremely common during the first three weeks of use and should improve after four to six weeks.  Other possible signs of an allergic or negative reaction include peeling, sensitivity, and dryness.  If you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, including a tightness in the throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, low blood pressure, fainting, or collapse, call emergency services immediately. Whenever you use an over-the-counter product containing benzoyl peroxide, you should use that product in accordance with all of the instructions on the label. If you acquired the medication with a prescription, it is critical that you use benzoyl peroxide products as directed by a medical professional. In severe cases of acne, it is common to combine using benzoyl peroxide with topical or oral antibiotics as well as tretinoin.  It should be noted, however, combining benzoyl peroxide with other irritants, other skin care products with benzoyl peroxide or exposing yourself to excessive sunlight can increase the risk of skin irritation in the area where benzoyl peroxide was applied. Make sure to limit exposure to other irritants so that you can effectively gauge the efficacy of benzoyl peroxide products in treating your acne. The side effects of combining other skin care products with benzoyl peroxide are similar to those that occur when you are having a genuine allergic reaction.
Know the uses of benzoyl peroxide. Know how benzoyl peroxide works. Identify the signs of an allergic reaction. Use only as directed. Limit exposure to other products.