Using Erythromycin with Benzoyl Peroxide

Hello,

I've been using an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide medication for my acne for a couple of months now and, while there have been some results, I believe that it has reached its limits. I was reading online that "when topical erythromycin is combined with benzoyl peroxide, the combination proves to be quite effective as the patient gets the effects of two antimicrobial agents."

I've used Erythromycin before and it has worked very well until I ran out. Fortunately I found another tube of erythromycin back home and I still have my benzoyl peroxide treatment. I am thinking about using both but I'm not sure if it will really help my skin get better or worst. Has anyone tried this method? Does it work?

Thanks!

[loiloi]

Hi. Check the expiry date on the tube of Erythromycin cream and do not use it if it has been opened months ago.
Using BP and Erythromycin concurrently may increase side effects such as burning, peeling and redness. It all depends how sensitive your skin is. When using 2 topical products use one in the morning and one before bed, don't apply them together. Use a bland soap-free cleanser to reduce irritation, I recommend Physiological cleansing gel by La Roche-Posay.
There are 2 products which may be of interest to you: Duac gel contains both Benzoyl Peroxide and an antibiotic called Clindamycin. Epiduo gel contains both Adapalene and Benzoyl peroxide. These once-a-day gels are formulated with the right amount of each active ingredient and should cause less irritation than applying two separate products.
Eloise.