SULFUR
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Sulfur has been used for the treatment of acne for many years, however the efficacy of the agent appears mixed. The mechanism of action is due to its keratolytic, antibacterial and antifungal action to resolve comedones by its exfoliant action. In Canada, sulfur is not found alone as a OTC single agent, but is found in combination with resorcinol, usually as a combination of sulfur 8% and resorcinol 2%. Although studies on the two agents alone are limited, literature suggests that the combination is safe and the addition of resorcinol may enhance the exfoliant activity of sulfur. Thus, the literature reviewed with regards to the use of sulfur as a single agent for acne has been investigated and extrapolated to the available combination products. Since the evidence for efficacy and mixed and scarce and the side effects are mild, patients may wish to try topical sulfur if unsuccessful with OTC agents that carry more evidence with respect to efficacy.
Sulfur has been used for the treatment of acne for many years, however the efficacy of the agent appears mixed. The mechanism of action is due to its keratolytic, antibacterial and antifungal action to resolve comedones by its exfoliant action. In Canada, sulfur is not found alone as a OTC single agent, but is found in combination with resorcinol, usually as a combination of sulfur 8% and resorcinol 2%. Although studies on the two agents alone are limited, literature suggests that the combination is safe and the addition of resorcinol may enhance the exfoliant activity of sulfur. Thus, the literature reviewed with regards to the use of sulfur as a single agent for acne has been investigated and extrapolated to the available combination products. Since the evidence for efficacy and mixed and scarce and the side effects are mild, patients may wish to try topical sulfur if unsuccessful with OTC agents that carry more evidence with respect to efficacy.