Benzoyl Peroxide

• Class: Antibiotic
• Route: Topical
• Formulation: Available in gel, wash, cream, bar and lotion formulations containing various amount of benzoyl peroxide (2.5% to 10%).
• Storage Information: Store at room temperaturea (15 to 25°C), away from heat and direct light.
• Typical Dosage: Dosage differs for each medication; please consult your doctor for specific instructions.
• Side Effects: Benzoyl peroxide may cause skin dryness or irritation. It will also bleach hair, fabric, and if used improperly, it has the capability to bleach skin.
• Special Notes: Benzoyl peroxide is absorbed into the skin, but it is not known whether the drug passes into breast milk or the embryo. Pregnant and nursing mothers should consult their physician before using any of these medications.
• Mechanism of Action: The antibacterial action of benzoyl peroxide is associated with its ability to liberate free oxygen radicals that oxidize bacterial proteins. This helps to destroy bacteria associated with acne vulgaris.

Salicylic Acid

• Class: Beta-hydroxy Acid
• Route: Topical
• Formulations: Creams, lotions, pads, washes, cleansers, astringents in concentrations from 0.5 to 2.0 %
• Typical Dosage: Dosage differs for each medication; please consult your doctor for specific instructions.
• Side effects: Salicylic Acid can cause skin dryness and irritation
• Mechanism of Action: It works by removing the dead skin cells, allowing the skin to renew faster and reduce the chance of plugged pores. It has no affect on sebum production or bacteria (P. acnes). It is recommended for mild comedonal acne. It usually has no effect on inflammatory acne.
• Special Notes: This medicine may be absorbed through the mother's skin. Salicylic acid has not been studied in pregnant women. Before using this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant. Topical salicylic acid has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.
• Contraindications: Avoid using any other topical medications containing peeling or irritating agents while undergoing treatment with salicylic acid.

Sulfur Cream

• Class: Antibiotic
• Route: Topical
• Formulation: Cream containing 2% sulfur by weight.
• Storage Information: Store at room temperature (15 to 25°C), away from heat and direct light. Do not allow the cream to freeze. Typical Dosage: This medication is to be applied at bedtime, as a spot-treatment for active papules.
• Side Effects: A couple of common side effects associated with using this medication are redness and peeling of skin.
• Special Notes: Although these drugs have not been shown to have any adverse effects on pregnant or nursing mothers, it is not recommended to use them during either of these stages.
• Contraindications: Do not use any other topical acne preparation or preparation containing a peeling agent while undergoing treatment with a sulfur cream.
• Mechanism of Action: The exact mode of action in the treatment of acne is unknown, but it has been reported that it inhibits the growth of Propionibacterium acnes and the formation of free fatty acids.