Benzoyl peroxide is a common over the counter medication available at stores used often to improve the acne condition. It is identified as a white crystalline material available in gel, cream and lotion form. It is applied directly onto the affected areas of the skin after washing; generally a low concentration of the medication is prescribed around 2.5-5% for mild acne. A higher concentration might be prescribed for more severe acne.

Some common side effects of taking the medication include dryness of the skin. One way to avoid the symptom is to first test the medication by applying a minute amount once a day and see how it responds to the skin. In case of excessive dryness and skin peel it is favorable to reduce the dosage of the medication and consult a dermatologist about the symptoms of taking the medication. Another side effect of benzoyl peroxide is the slight tingling in the acne affected areas after application of the medication. Usually the symptom goes away after several minutes. There might also be a feeling of warmth after application. In instances where the condition becomes worse it is favorable to consult a dermatologist.
After application of benozoyl peroxide a person might suffer from some more serious symptoms such as swelling and blisters. This basically indicates an allergic reaction to taking the medication, the swelling can get further exacerbated and lead to redness, itching and burning of the affected areas. In such cases the medication should be discontinued and the condition should be immediately treated.

Usually for severe acne a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide is recommended since a lower concentration is ineffective as treatment. Using a higher concentration of the medication might lead to the above severe side effects. In case the medication is in effective it is favorable to consult a dermatologist who can prescribe another more effective form of treatment based on the person’s specific condition.

Acne has become a dilemma for acne sufferers since it acts as a cold that comes and goes frequently. Some of the causes indentified to lead to acne development include mental duress, changes in the environment, unhealthy diet and hormonal shifts in the body. The androgen hormone induces the sebaceous glands to excrete excessive amounts of oil that clogs the skin pores. Bacteria and dirt accumulates within these clogged pores leading to the inevitable acne formation. Various treatments are available however the effectiveness of the treatment varies based on the type and severity of the acne condition. For mild acne over the counter medication and homemade remedies can do the trick however in the case of severe acne stronger medication is prescribed in the form of oral antibiotics that carry some harsh side effects. Therefore it is recommended that before undergoing any form of self treatment a person should consult a dermatologist who can prescribe the right treatment for the specific acne condition.

Numerous treatments are available today for acne treatment including certain medications that kill bacteria clearing the acne as well as improving the overall appearance of the skin. Tretinoin also known as retin A that is vitamin A type. The medication acts as an antioxidant, it clears up the clogged pores while reducing the likelihood of acne development in the future. The medication also helps diminish wrinkles.  Other useful medication includes oral contraceptives for females to subside the hormonal imbalance the induce acne. Such medication however should not be taken while a person is undergoing any other treatment or is suffering from another medical condition.

Benzoyl peroxide which is a common and frequent medication prescribed for mild acne is considerably effective since it kills bacteria at its root and clears up acne right away. A lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide from 2.5-5% is favorable since a high concentration can lead to damaging of the skin.