SULFUR
Patient Counselling
How does it work?
Sulfur is a peeling agent use to lessen the severity of acne presumably through its exfoliant and antibacterial action.
When do I take it?
First, cleanse the skin thoroughly before applying the cream. Then cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times a day or as directed by a physician. Therapy should be started with a single application daily and then increased in frequency as needed and as tolerated. Note, the product is for external use only and should not be applied on broken skin or to large areas of the body.
What are the side effects?
Topical sulfur is generally used with minimal complaints other than an offensive odour found in some products. Apart from this, local irritation of the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract may occur. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. If excessive skin irritation develops or increases, discontinue the product and consult a health care practitioner.
Who should not use it?
There is not enough data to support the use of topical sulfur in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and in general should be avoided. Topical sulfur is not to be used in children younger than two years of age, except under the direction and supervision of a physician. It should also be avoided in patients with severe kidney dysfunction.
Those using other topical acne products at the same time or immediately following the use of a sulfur product may experience increased dryness or irritation of the skin, and thus should be used together with caution or at the direction of a health care provider.
Other information?
Sulfur is found in combination with resorcinol, another peeling agent, in products found over-the-counter in Canada. The combination of the two agents are effective in helping to lessen acne lesions and safe, although resorcinol can produce a reversible, dark brown scale on some dark-skinned individuals.
Sulfur is a peeling agent use to lessen the severity of acne presumably through its exfoliant and antibacterial action.
When do I take it?
First, cleanse the skin thoroughly before applying the cream. Then cover the entire affected area with a thin layer one to three times a day or as directed by a physician. Therapy should be started with a single application daily and then increased in frequency as needed and as tolerated. Note, the product is for external use only and should not be applied on broken skin or to large areas of the body.
What are the side effects?
Topical sulfur is generally used with minimal complaints other than an offensive odour found in some products. Apart from this, local irritation of the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract may occur. If contact with the eyes occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. If excessive skin irritation develops or increases, discontinue the product and consult a health care practitioner.
Who should not use it?
There is not enough data to support the use of topical sulfur in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and in general should be avoided. Topical sulfur is not to be used in children younger than two years of age, except under the direction and supervision of a physician. It should also be avoided in patients with severe kidney dysfunction.
Those using other topical acne products at the same time or immediately following the use of a sulfur product may experience increased dryness or irritation of the skin, and thus should be used together with caution or at the direction of a health care provider.
Other information?
Sulfur is found in combination with resorcinol, another peeling agent, in products found over-the-counter in Canada. The combination of the two agents are effective in helping to lessen acne lesions and safe, although resorcinol can produce a reversible, dark brown scale on some dark-skinned individuals.