Stridex

Stridex (originally spelled Stri-Dex) is an American acne treatment and prevention medicine, originally registered trademark of Bayer Corporation.^[1] It comes in the form of fibrous pads saturated with astringents.^[2] Most products in the Stridex line contain as the active ingredient salicylic acid (0.5–2.5%); Stridex Power Pads instead contain benzoyl peroxide (2.5%), a nonprescription acne treatment medication.^[3] However, they also warn about possible side effects: dryness of the skin, possible burning, and tingling. Patients are advised to apply treatment with caution around lips, nose and mouth, or cuts and scrapes, and also avoid excessive sun exposure. In 2013, FDA started to investigate a possible link between benzoyl peroxide- and/or salicylic acid-based acne prevention medicine with hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions without calling off any products or placing warnings.^[4]

Stridex were the first acne treatment pads to do so without requiring a prescription for purchase and is part of the Smithsonian's permanent collection.^[5] It is owned by Blistex, Inc.^[6]

References

1. Individually packaged disposable single acne pad, US Patent 5879693, March 9, 1999
2. Cosmetic pad for removing low tension substances and applying cosmetics, US Patent 6214362 B1, April 10, 2001
3. Yvette C. Terrie, BSPharm, RPh. Acne Vulgaris: The Most Common Dermatologic Disorder., Pharmacy Times,
4. Potential Signals of Serious Risks/New Safety Information Identified by the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) between July – September 2013
5. "Stridex Regular Strength Pads". National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution.
6. "Blistex acquires Stri-Dex acne line, Dairy Ease brand from Bayer". 18 March 1996.