Benzoyl peroxide and epidermal wound healing.

The effectiveness of 10%, 20%, and 50% benzoyl peroxide in a lotion, 20% benzoyl peroxide in a gel, and the effect of the vehicles alone on wound reepithelialization were evaluated in young domestic pigs. Twenty percent benzoyl peroxide suspension in a lotion base substantially increased the rate of reepithelialization by 33% over a seven-day evaluation period. Twenty percent benzoyl peroxide suspension in a gel base and 10% benzoyl peroxide suspension in a lotion base slightly enhanced epidermal resurfacing, while 50% benzoyl peroxide suspension in a lotion base and the vehicle gel retarded healing. Variations in the rate of reepithelialization were observed when different lots of 20% benzoyl peroxide lotions were compared. Chemical analysis of each of the 20% benzoyl peroxide preparations tested disclosed great differences in zinc, magnesium, and sodium content.