Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions:

What is the active ingredient in Crystaderm?

The active ingredient is 1% stabilized hydrogen peroxide (w/w) in a lipid-based formulation.

How does Crystaderm work?

Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known antiseptic agent effective against most pathogenic microorganisms. In vitro pharmacological studies have shown that hydrogen peroxide is active against a wide range of microorganisms and is a powerful antibacterial agent effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In vitro studies have shown that the bactericidal activity of the cream is equivalent to that of a 1% aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, with the cream providing longer-lasting action.1

What is Crystaderm's role in treating impetigo?

According to the NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines [NG153] on impetigo, for people with localized non-bullous impetigo without systemic complications or a high risk of complications, a 1% hydrogen peroxide cream is recommended as the initial treatment.2

What is Crystaderm's role in treating acne?

1% hydrogen peroxide has been shown to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide in reducing inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions in patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Compared to 4% benzoyl peroxide gel, hydrogen peroxide cream has a better local tolerance profile.3,4.An independent American laboratory has discovered that benzoyl peroxide, used to treat acne, generates benzene at carcinogenic levels. Crystaderm is an effective and safe alternative, without irritation or skin reactions. 5,6,7

What are the contraindications for Crystaderm?

Hypersensitivity to the active substance (hydrogen peroxide) or any of the excipients (Glyceryl myristate, glyceryl laurate, propylene glycol, PEG-100 stearate, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium oxalate, salicylic acid, disodium edetate, sodium stannate (IV), sulfuric acid, disodium pyrophosphate).

Are there any bacteria resistant to Crystaderm?

There are no known pathogenic bacteria or fungi that develop resistance to hydrogen peroxide. The development of bacterial resistance is a growing concern and a well-known phenomenon with topical antibiotics. Hydrogen peroxide does not lead to resistant bacteria, making it a valuable alternative to topical antibiotics.8

Is Crystaderm suitable for children?

Crystaderm is approved in Canada for use from the age of 2 years.

Is the product suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

When applied topically, hydrogen peroxide is not systemically absorbed. It is not expected to result in exposure of the fetus or breastfed infant to the medication.9

I would like to offer Crystaderm in my pharmacy. How can I order it?

You can order Crystaderm from the following wholesalers with the associated product codes:

  • Kohl & Frisch – Product code: 170518
  • Unipharm – Product code: 2688539
  • Pharmaplus – Product code: 906512

Additional wholesalers will be available soon.

For any further inquiries, please contact us at [email protected]

References

Sources

  1. Block, S.S. (2001) Chapter 9 Peroxygen Compounds. Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation. 5th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  2. According to the NICE guidelines. Impetigo: antimicrobial prescribing guideline. Evidence Review. February 2020. Available at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng153/evidence Accessed 24/10/2024
  3. Milani, M., Bigardi, A., Zavattarelli, M. (2003) Efficacy and safety of stabilised hydrogen peroxide cream (Crystacide) in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a randomised, controlled trial versus benzoyl peroxide gel. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 19(2): 135 – 138.
  4. Capizzi, R., Landi, F., Milani, M., Amerio, P. (2004) Skin tolerability and efficacy of combination therapy with hydrogen peroxide stabilized cream and adapalene gel in comparison with benzoyl peroxide cream and adapalene gel in common acne. A randomized, investigator-masked, controlled trial. British Journal of Dermatology, 151: 481 – 484.
  5. Gehrig, K.A., Warshaw, E.M. (2008) Allergic contact dermatitis to topical antibiotics: Epidemiology, responsible allergens, and management. J Am Acad Dermatol, 58(1): 1 – 21.
  6. VALISURE DISCOVERS BENZOYL PEROXIDE ACNE TREATMENT PRODUCTS ARE UNSTABLE AND FORM BENZENE. March 2024. Available at https://www.valisure.com/valisure-newsroom/valisure-detects-benzene-in-benzoyl-peroxide Accessed 24/10/2024
  7. Kaury Kucera,1 Nicola Zenzola,1 Amber Hudspeth,1 Mara Dubnicka,1 Wolfgang Hinz,1 Christopher G. Bunick,2 Arash Dabestani,3 and David Y. Light, Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products Form Benzene, 2024, Research Letter, Environmental Health Perspectives
  8. Christensen OB, Anehus S. Hydrogen peroxide cream: an alternative to topical antibiotics in the treatment of impetigo contagiosa. Acta Dermato‐Venerologica, 1994;74(6):460‐2.
  9. Hydrogen peroxide 40% (Eskata) for seborrheic keratoses. JAMA 2019;321:99-100