this is interesting.  Once I put something with alpha hydroxy on ds and he had a horrific reaction.  He has very sensitive skin and excema, so at the time I didn't think much about it.  He has taken accutane and skin is great, but when he dabbed Retin A on a few areas, it irritated his skin. 

I wonder if those reacting to salicylic acid have previously undiagnosed allergies to aspirin? I have used both products without problem (along with tetracycline, topical clindamycin and other prescription acne drugs).  I balked at using accutane in my 20s.

Well, I intend to keep spot treating at least occasionally since I seem to be able to use benzoyl peroxide successfully, and so much else DOES irritate my skin or make me break out even worse. 



It's also the only stuff that really works like a charm for DD.  She uses it pretty judiciously, though.

For the last few years I've reacted to benzoyl peroxide products. I get raised welts where I put it. If I wrote on my face, is have a raised, red W on my face in the morning.

But I didn't think it was possible to be allergic to it. This is interesting.

"FDA Warns Of Life-Threatening Reactions With Acne Products"
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/06/26/325610130/fda-warns-of-life-threatening-reactions-with-acne-products?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=health&utm_medium=social&utm_term=nprnews