Ovace (sulfacetamide) is a lower-cost, topical medication that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as dandruff and bacterial infections, but there are other options available that work better. It comes in many different forms, including cream, lotion, and shampoo.
Skin infections - cream, wash, lotion, gel, and foam
Seborrheic dermatitis (itchy, scalp rash on scalp) - cream, wash, lotion, gel, foam, and shampoo
Dandruff - cream, wash, lotion, gel, foam, and shampoo
Ovace (sulfacetamide) is a topical antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing and multiplying, which helps treat skin infections and dandruff.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Available in a variety of forms to fit individual needs
Most forms come in a generic version providing lower cost options
Easy to use
Most forms have a pleasant scent
Not the best option available for treating dandruff
Might need to apply the medication up to 3 times a day
Can't be used by people who are allergic to sulfa medications
Some forms don't come in generic and may be expensive
Don't let Ovace (sulfacetamide) come in contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, and lips to lower the risk of the medication getting absorbed into your body and causing unwanted side effects.
If using the shampoo, shake it well, apply to wet hair, massage thoroughly, and then rinse off completely.
For the foam, clean your skin and pat it dry before using. Shake the can well, spray it into your palm, massage into affected areas and then rinse off after 10 minutes and finally pat your skin dry. The other option is to leave the foam on without rinsing.
For the wash and gel, apply to wet skin, massage gently into affected areas, rinse well, pat dry, and then repeat once more after 10 to 20 seconds. If your skin becomes too dry, try to rinse off the medication sooner or use it less often.
Ovace (sulfacetamide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Sulfonamide allergy
Ovace (sulfacetamide) belongs to a group of antibacterial medications called sulfonamides. For people who are sensitive or allergic to sulfonamides, they are at higher risk of experiencing a rare condition called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. If you get symptoms, such as a painful rash that covers most of your body, fever, body aches, or other unusual side effects, get medical help right away. Tell your provider and pharmacist about any allergies you have before starting Ovace (sulfacetamide).
Using Ovace (sulfacetamide) can cause a rare condition, called lupus, where your immune system attacks your own body. If you experience any side effects after starting this medication, such as a fever, joint pain, rash, or tiredness, let your provider know right away.
Cream: Apply to affected areas 2 times daily for 8 to 10 days. For scaly rash on scalp, as the condition improves, the dose can be lowered to 1 to 2 times a week or every other week for prevention.
Lotion: For skin infection or scaly rash on scalp, apply to affected areas 2 times daily for 8 to 10 days. For scaly rash on scalp, as the condition improves, the dose can be lowered to 1 to 2 times a week or every other week for prevention.
Foam: Apply to affected areas 1 to 3 times daily.
Wash: For skin infections, apply to affected areas 1 to 2 times daily for 8 to 10 days. For scaly rash on scalp, wash affected areas 2 times daily for 8 to 10 days and as the condition improves, the dose can be lowered to 1 to 2 times a week or every other week for prevention.
Shampoo: Wash hair with the shampoo at least 2 times a week.
Gel: For skin infection or scaly rash on scalp, wash the affected areas 2 times daily and apply the medication to wet skin. Then, gently massage it into the skin, rinse well, pat dry, and then repeat after 10 to 20 seconds. Continue to do this for 8 to 10 days. Use a regular shampoo on your hair at least once a week.
Allergic reaction
Kidney disease
Skin infections - cream, wash, lotion, gel, and foam
Seborrheic dermatitis (itchy, scalp rash on scalp) - cream, wash, lotion, gel, foam, and shampoo
Dandruff - cream, wash, lotion, gel, foam, and shampoo
Ringworm
Jock itch
Athlete's foot
Tinea versicolor (a fungal infection that causes discolored patches on the skin)
Skin yeast infection caused by Candida
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