Acne Treatment

• Benzoyl peroxide is most commonly used for the treatment and cure of acne. It is used to penetrate the pores, drying up any excess oil that gets clogged inside, as well as kill bacteria, stopping or reducing the chance of acne. High doses of benzoyl peroxide can only be distributed through a doctor's prescription. However, benzoyl peroxide is found in small doses in many facial cleansers that can be purchased without a prescription, such as Proactive Acne Treatment and PanOxyl.
  
  

Other Treatments

• According to the Mayo Clinic, benzoyl peroxide is also used for other conditions such as decubital ulcers. or bed sores, and stasis ulcers, which form in an area where the circulation can become sluggish such as the ankle. Benzoyl peroxide is only prescribed for these conditions under a doctor's advisement.
  
  

What Form(s) Does Benzoyl Peroxide Come In?

• Benzoyl peroxide comes in a variety forms, such as creams, lotions, gels, soaps and liquid solutions. Which form you need will depend on the reason why you are using it. If you are getting a prescription, ask your doctor what types are available for your condition. Most of the products that have benzoyl peroxide in them that are available over the counter are sold in creams and lotions.
  
  

Possible Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide

• Benzoyl peroxide is very good at what it does, but some people experience side effects. They include dry and flaky skin, a subtle burning sensation on the skin and slight stinging. Though these side effects are normal and often are signs that the skin is adjusting to the benzoyl peroxide, it is still important to be safe so call your doctor immediately to make sure that there is not something else going on.
  
  

Where to Get Benzoyl Peroxide

• High doses of benzoyl peroxide are usually given through a prescription by a medical doctor. But the facial cleansers that have it in them can be found at your local drug stores and pharmacies. To know exactly what cleansers have in them, talk to your pharmacist or dermatologist. Proactiv Solutions can be ordered online.