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To the Editor.—
In recent months, I have found that the progressive use of benzoyl peroxide gel has greatly reduced the need of prescribing systemic antibiotics in the treatment of acne. The progressive nature of the regimen enables me to determine the individual patient's tolerance to the gel and to estimate its potential effectiveness. If a patient suffers irritation, the progression stops.The regimen is as follows:First week—5% benzoyl peroxide gel is applied to individual papules and pustules on the face at bedtime.Second week—5% benzoyl peroxide gel is applied to "acne-prone" areas of the face at bedtime.Third week—In addition to the continued application of 5% benzoyl peroxide gel to acne-prone areas, 10% benzoyl peroxide gel is applied to individual papules and pustules at bedtime.The regimen can be modified in many ways. For example, if a patient has skin that I think will overdesquamate with the