Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide (pronunciation: ben-zoh-ill puh-rok-side) is a commonly used topical medication in the treatment of acne. It is classified as a peroxide and is often used in combination with other acne treatments.
Etymology
The term "Benzoyl Peroxide" is derived from its chemical structure. "Benzoyl" refers to the benzene ring structure attached to a carbonyl group (a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom), and "Peroxide" refers to the two oxygen atoms bonded together in its structure.
Usage
Benzoyl Peroxide is primarily used as a treatment for acne, but it can also be used to bleach flour and hair, and to cross-link polyester resins. It works by introducing oxygen into the pores, which can kill the bacteria that cause acne. It also helps to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
Related Terms
- Acne: A skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells.
- Peroxide: A compound containing two oxygen atoms bonded together.
- Topical medication: Medication that is applied to body surfaces such as the skin or mucous membranes.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide include skin irritation, dryness, and redness. More serious side effects may include severe skin irritation, burning, or peeling. If these occur, usage should be discontinued and medical advice should be sought.
Precautions
Benzoyl Peroxide should not be used if you are allergic to it. It should also be used with caution if you have sensitive skin or other skin conditions. It can bleach hair and fabrics, so care should be taken when applying it.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Benzoyl peroxide
- Wikipedia's article - Benzoyl peroxide
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski