Erythromycin / Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzamycin®)
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Often known by its brand name Benzamycin®, this topical treatment is a combination of erythromycin, which is a topical antibiotic that helps slow...

Often known by its brand name Benzamycin®, this topical treatment is a combination of erythromycin, which is a topical antibiotic that helps slow or stop bacteria growth and reduce skin inflammation, and benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin.

It is usually applied 2 times a day.

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3.9
139
Read All About Erythromycin / Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzamycin®)
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5
38.1%
4
28.1%
3
26.6%
2
5%
1
2.2%

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July 26, 2017
Help! Is it working?
I've been using this product for 4/5 days and my acne has gotten worse and my skin is really red and it feels like it's burning is this how it's supposed to work?? Please help
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December 7, 2015
My opinion of Benzamycin
The following statements are my experiences and my opinions. I was prescribed Benzamycin after over the counter Benzoyl Peroxide no longer was effective. Benzamycin worked well for a while. However, over time it quit working. I have been on Benzamycin 3 different times over nearly 5 years and it worked well in the beginning, but on the 3rd round I quit after 10 weeks because my forehead got much worse and it was at this time I switched to a more natural treatment that has done wonders for me.
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March 15, 2015
Great, but don't ever stop using it!
This product works wonders. I've been suffering from severe acne since my early years of junior high. I've tried everything from cleaners to prescribed medications. I was prescribed this a few months ago and my face cleared up. You'll start seeing results in a few weeks! Recently I stopped using it and my acne became worst than it was before! If you use this product, you have to be very dedicated.
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August 2, 2014
I'm so confused help !!
I was just prescribed this gel on Tuesday from my doctor and I know that this does take a while to notice a difference in your skin, I only breakout on my cheeks, forehead and barely on my chin. But yesterday I felt this burning feeling around my mouth area and now my cheeks and around my lip feel swollen there super red I don't know what happened it was all so sudden! I don't want to say that this product doesn't work because ive only used it for 4 days but I'm disappointed that I might have gotten a reaction don't know if I didn't use this right or I'm just allergic but I'm pretty sad that I can't try this product anymore atleast if my skin doesnt heal :( I dont really know what to say because believe it or not I do notice a bit of a difference in my acne I don't have server acne problems but I can tell that my small pimples are fading I just can't continue with this product so I really don't know what to say!
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DahliaKitty
June 10, 2016
It's very strong. Make sure you are using a very good moisturizer along with all topical acne creams. Trust me! Your face will get red, dry and flaky and more oil production if you dont. If that doesn't work then it's probably a reaction or you can try using it less than every day and more like 3 times a week.
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DahliaKitty
June 10, 2016
It's very strong. Make sure you are using a very good moisturizer along with all topical acne creams. Trust me! Your face will get red, dry and flaky and more oil production if you dont. If that doesn't work then it's probably a reaction or you can try using it less than every day and more like 3 times a week.
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November 20, 2013
Miss and hit.

Pros:

Worked for a few weeks

Cons:

Smells
Texture is horrible
drying

I used this for a while, and it appeared to be helping my skin. Then, it started to burn my face and make my pimples get really dry then reappear again 10x worse. The smell is horrible. HORRIBLE. It leaves a white film. The texture is also very clumpy and feels gross.
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May 8, 2012

Pros:

Combines both the strength of benzoyl peroxide and the antibiotic erythromycin.
Helped clear up the stubborn whiteheads on my nose.
Reduced the number of pimples on my face, but did nothing for my hormonal acne.
Overall, keeps my skin "under control" but I still hav acne. If you have stubborn, hormonal or genetic acne, this won't be a cure.
Less harsh than Retin-A.
More effective than plain BP.

Cons:

Difficult to blend into the skin.
Leaves a visible white residue on the skin which tends to flake off like Elmer's glue.
Can be a bit harsh for those with sensitive skin.
Expensive even with insurance.

I've had acne since middle school and I'm now in my early twenties. My pimples tend to be concentrated on my cheeks, whereas my T-zone is not as bad. While this product does reduce my acne, but I still always have a couple pimples, and more during my time of month. My Benzamycin came in little one-use packets (like ketchup packets). It smells like rubbing alcohol and can take a while to get used to. You have to blend quickly since it dries so fast. It leaves a visible white, flaky residue on the skin, which will flake off and make it look like your face has dried glue all over it. This makes it impossible to use during the day, but it's fine at night. I have oily skin which has grown used to this product, but if your skin is more sensitive, this might be a little harsh for you. Start off slow, and then build up. The best part about this is that my nose whiteheads are pretty much all gone, which has never happened before. However, my larger pimples are still there. If you looked at me, you would think that I was still a "moderate acne sufferer." This has helped my skin, but certainly hasn't cleared it.
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August 22, 2011

Pros:

Pimples do fade and clears large areas of pimples.

Cons:

Doesn't really work on black heads.

My doctor gave me this about almost a year ago and still have pimples that are reducing. If you skip a day, the pimples will come back.
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July 8, 2011

Pros:

Seemed to help existing acne fade away quicker. Especially worked well on drying out big nasty pimples.

Cons:

Extremely drying and caused my skin to become red,itchy, and burned after several days of use. I moisturized 2 times a day with cetaphil as well and my skin still could not handle this medication. I even tried only using this medication once a day and it still severely irritated my skin to the point that I had to stop taking it.

If you are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide I would be very hesitant to use this. Try it to see if you can handle it, but be careful as it can be extremely irritatin

If you are sensitve to benzoyl peroxide then this is not the medication for you in all likelihood. Maybe if your skin is tough and isn't bothered by BP this could work for you, but for me it was a nightmare. Also, nearly impossible to use in the morning. It leaves a white sticky residue behind. It doesn't matter how well you rub it in or if you apply moisturizer on top of it. The residue left behind will still be visible and is very noticeable. It is like chunks of gluestick stuck to your face. I cannot see how anyone could use this in the morning if they needed to go out. Also, I had the type that is premixed and needs to be refrigerated. This can be very annoying, especially if you share a bathroom and have to keep traveling back and forth to the kitchen when you use this.
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January 9, 2011

Pros:

I have been using this product for almost two weeks and I have seen an improvement start in the last few days.

Cons:

Has been through a bad breakout after starting this medication. It may be "getting worse before it gets better" & I hope that is the fact. I think the breakouts may be hormonal though, as I did start a new birth control the same day. I need my skin to adjust to both.

I'm giving this product a shot and will probably be back to review it after several months of being on it. This is my first topical prescription, I did try oral medications but they made me sick so I got off those quick. I hope it works & I hope this helps :)
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September 3, 2010

Pros:

clears acne vulgaris in a few days, especially if acne is still active, and not some leftover, dried up, raised hovel

Cons:

a bit drying, a bit lumpy

Works like clindamycin, forming a drying, mask-like film on your face. I try not to break this mask by avoiding excessive speaking, so it's best if used right before bed (I'm quite talkative). Also, try to sleep in a cool setting, as sweating during sleep can remove the medication. I find it is more effective, albiet a bit more uncomfortable when used withOUT a moisturizer, as this seems to decrease the effects of the topical and make the mask less binding, if you will. Also, my mother used this YEARS ago, when I was a small child (I am now turning 21) and she still recommends it, as it was the only medication to clear her cystic acne. Though I would not recommend it for cystic acne, since it did not work on my own, everyone is different. As I have just gotten a microdermabrasion session, and my face is a bit raw, I will not be using this on my face for the next night, since I do not want to irritate my skin.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website