How to Tell if You Are Having an Allergic Reaction to Benzoyl Peroxide

Dry, irritated, and lightly peeling skin are typical side effects of benzoyl peroxide. Less commonly, one can develop an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide that causes similar symptoms like dry, irritated skin or hives (urticaria).

Allergic reactions to benzoyl peroxide are usually local, meaning that they only affect the treated skin area. But in rare cases an allergic reaction can be systemic, causing facial swelling, trouble breathing, and other potentially life-threatening symptoms.

This article explains the nine signs of an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide. Learn how to treat an allergic reaction at home versus when to see a healthcare provider.

9 Signs of an Allergic Reaction to Benzoyl Peroxide

When your skin has a local allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide, the condition is called allergic contact dermatitis.

An allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide may start as dry, red, and burning or stinging skin. For some, these initial symptoms can appear similar to the more typical side effects of benzoyl peroxide.

You will know you are having an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide when the affected skin area starts to itch, peel, and develop hives or blisters (urticaria). Stop using benzoyl peroxide if this happens.

In 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that topical acne products containing benzoyl peroxide can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which may result in the following symptoms:

• Throat tightness
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling faint
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

These symptoms can quickly become life-threatening and you should call 911 right away at the first sign of them.

An allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide may start within minutes to a day or longer after starting treatment. One study found that most people who had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide developed symptoms two weeks to one month after first using the product.

How to Treat an Allergic Reaction to Benzoyl Peroxide

If you think you could be having an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide, stop using the product and call your healthcare provider for advice.

Should your provider determine that your symptoms are mild enough to be treated at home, then you can try one of the following:

• Cold compress: Relieve itchy skin by applying a cold, wet cloth to the affected skin area. Re-soak the cloth as needed to keep it cold.
• Oatmeal bath: For itchy, irritated skin and hives, draw a lukewarm bath and add a cup or two of uncooked oatmeal to the tub as the water fills. Soak in the bath for as long as you feel comfortable.
• Nonprescription hydrocortisone: Apply 1% hydrocortisone cream, such as Cortizone A, to the itchy skin and hives once or twice per day. If the hives do not improve within seven days, call your healthcare provider.
• Nonprescription antihistamines: Take an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as Claritin (loratadine), for itch relief.

If your rash does not improve within one week of using hydrocortisone and at-home itch remedies, contact your healthcare provider. Your provider may prescribe a stronger hydrocortisone cream, or a systemic steroid that is taken orally, like Prednisone, which should resolve the rash within 10 days.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you have any mild symptoms of possible allergy, like itchiness or small hives, stop using benzoyl peroxide and call your healthcare provider for advice. These symptoms will probably continue to worsen until you stop using benzoyl peroxide.

See your healthcare provider if your skin rash:

• Hurts
• Blisters
• Itches constantly
• Shows signs of infection
• Goes away for a while then returns
• Doesn't go away within one week of at-home treatment
  

Summary

Signs of an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide include dry skin, itchiness, peeling, and hives. Although rare, there have been reports of a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) due to benzoyl peroxide use.

Mildly itchy skin and small hives can be treated with over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream. Call your provider if this doesn't resolve the rash within one week. Call 911 immediately if you develop symptoms of anaphylaxis; never attempt to treat it at home.