A 12-year-old girl’s face swelled dramatically after applying benzoyl peroxide (BPO) acne cream, forcing her to rush to the ER. The incident highlights the risks associated with commonly prescribed acne treatments.
Medical staff at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children reported that the previously healthy girl arrived at the hospital with facial swelling, pain, and redness concentrated around her eyes, cheeks, and nose. Doctors immediately administered intravenous antibiotics and admitted her for observation.
However, just six hours later, her condition took a sharp turn for the worse. Her eyes swelled shut, her skin thickened, and yellow crusts formed on her forehead and nose. Her vital signs, including cardiovascular and respiratory functions, remained stable despite the alarming symptoms.
A review of the girl’s medical history revealed that she had been prescribed a BPO ointment for acne two weeks earlier.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Identified as the Cause
Doctors quickly diagnosed her with allergic contact dermatitis, a severe immune response triggered by the BPO cream. They immediately began treatment with anti-inflammatory medication and additional antibiotics. Thankfully, her symptoms improved dramatically within 24 hours, and she fully recovered within two weeks.
A dermatologist from the Royal Belfast Hospital explained that allergic contact dermatitis can be particularly severe when it occurs on the face. They added that patients often experience intense swelling around the eyes, redness, itching, and pain.
BPO is a commonly prescribed treatment for acne, especially among children and adolescents, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, this case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with its use. Doctors emphasized the importance of informing patients about these risks and providing clear guidance on safe application.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to certain substances, causing inflammation. Symptoms often include redness, warmth, intense itching, swelling, and blistering or oozing, which can increase the risk of secondary infections. Triggers for the condition include skincare products, nickel in jewelry, latex, and certain plants.
The reaction is especially noticeable in areas with thinner or more sensitive skin, like the face. Early identification and avoiding the irritant are key to managing the condition. If symptoms are severe, antihistamines or steroid creams may be used to relieve inflammation and itching.
Acne 101: What’s Going On?
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Elevated hormone levels can increase oil production, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Depending on severity and stage, this combination leads to inflammation that can progress into different types of acne, including whiteheads, red pimples, and pustular acne.
Shopping for Acne Treatments? Here’s What You Need to Know
When choosing an acne treatment, it’s essential to check the concentration of BPO, a common active ingredient in many over-the-counter products. BPO is highly effective at killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Unlike antibiotics, it doesn’t lead to bacterial resistance, making it widely used in skincare formulations.
However, higher concentrations of BPO may irritate the skin, leading to redness or a burning sensation. Choose a concentration that matches your skin type and needs to avoid this.
Benzoyl Peroxide 101
BPO creams are commonly available in concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. Lower concentrations suit sensitive skin, while higher concentrations deliver more powerful acne treatment. It is recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it depending on your skin’s reaction.
While rare, allergic reactions to BPO can occur, causing severe irritation or swelling. Stop using the product immediately and consult a dermatologist if these symptoms appear.
