Sulfacetamide / sulfur is a prescription topical skin product that's used to treat acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. It's available as a generic medication as well as under many brand names, including Plexion, Avar, and Clenia Plus. It comes in different dosage forms, such as a cleanser, cream, lotion, face wash, and cloth. The medication is usually applied 1-3 times a day, and can be used by people 12 years and older. Side effects aren't common, but can include skin irritation in the area where it's applied.
Sulfacetamide / sulfur is a combination of two medications.
Sulfacetamide is a sulfa antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing and multiplying.
Sulfur is a keratolytic agent that stops bacteria from growing and causes old skin to shed and renew.
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):
Applied directly to the affected area(s) on the skin
Available in many different formulations, such as lotion, cream, cleanser, cloths, and foam
Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
Might need to apply multiple times per day
Not be the best option if you're allergic to sulfa medications
Not FDA approved for children under the age of 12 years old
Each formulation of sulfacetamide / sulfur is used slightly differently. Read and follow the directions on your medication carefully to make sure you use it correctly.
Don't apply sulfacetamide / sulfur to cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin. Also, don't allow sulfacetamide / sulfur to come in contact with your mouth, nose, eyes, or mucous membranes since doing so can cause irritation.
Although rare, sulfacetamide / sulfur can cause a serious skin reaction. Let your dermatologist know right away if you develop a blistering rash or reddening or peeling of the skin.
If you develop arthritis, fever, or sores in the mouth, stop sulfacetamide / sulfur right away and let your dermatologist know.
If your condition becomes worse or if you develop a rash in another area of the skin, stop taking sulfacetamide / sulfur and contact your dermatologist.
Sulfacetamide / sulfur might have an offensive odor since it contains sulfur, so allow for air circulation.
Sulfacetamide / sulfur can discolor clothing, especially white fabric. Luckily, you can usually remove stains by washing them in the laundry.
Store sulfacetamide / sulfur at room temperature. If the product slightly darkens in color, it's still okay to use since it doesn't affect its efficacy.
Sulfacetamide / sulfur 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
Sulfacetamide / sulfur is a sulfonamides antibiotic, they have been known to cause rare, but severe, allergic reactions. This can lead to blood disorders and skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Symptoms of SJS can include reddening or peeling of the skin, painful rashes, and fluid-filled blisters. Symptoms of SLE can range from a rash to joint pain. Get medical help right away if you experience trouble breathing, rash or hives, or swelling of the face, lips, or mouth. Let your care team know of all your allergies before using sulfacetamide / sulfur.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
8 oz of 10%/2% | 1 bottle | $44.29 | $44.29 |
16 oz of 8%/4% | 1 bottle | $41.66 | $41.66 |
16 oz of 9%/4% | 1 bottle | $75.24 | $75.24 |
16 oz of 9%/4.5% | 1 bottle | $34.68 | $34.68 |
10 oz of 9.8%/4.8% | 1 bottle | $70.32 | $70.32 |
6 oz of 10%/5% | 1 bottle | $27.36 | $27.36 |
8 oz of 10%/5% | 1 bottle | $46.58 | $46.58 |
12 oz of 10%/5% | 1 bottle | $43.93 | $43.93 |
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
6 oz of 10%/5% | 1 tube | $29.30 | $29.30 |
Cream: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 3 times a day.
Lotion, suspension: Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 2 times a day.
Cleanser, cleansing cloth/pads: Wash the affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 2 times a day.
Emollient foam: Apply to affected area(s) of the skin 1 to 2 times a day. The foam may remain on the skin or may be rinsed off after 1 to 2 minutes.
Kidney problems
Allergy to sulfa medications
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Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2024). Sodium sulfacetamide 10% and sulfur 5% emollient foam- sulfacetamide sodium and sulfur aerosol, foam [package insert]. DailyMed.
Akron Pharma Inc. (2024). Sodium sulfacetamide 10% and sulfur 2% cleanser- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.
Akron Pharma Inc. (2024). Sodium sulfacetamide 8% and sulfur 4%- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
Draelos, Z. D. (2010). The multifunctionality of 10% sodium sulfacetamide, 5% sulfur emollient foam in the treatment of inflammatory facial dermatoses. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
Eckson Labs LLC. (2022). Plexion- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur cloth [package insert]. DailyMed.
Eckson Labs LLC. (2022). Plexion- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Eckson Labs LLC. (2022). Plexion- sulfacetamide sodium, sulfur lotion [package insert]. DailyMed.
Pradhan, S. J., et al. (2024). Retinoids — A unique ingredient for skin rejuvenation employing novel drug delivery systems. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science.
Russell, J. J. (2000). Topical therapy for acne. American Family Physician.
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