Resorcinol / Sulfur

Topical Keratolytic / Topical Keratolytic
Compare To Other Treatments

The following side effects are expected to occur in the first few weeks of treatment, and resolve with continued use of resorcinol / sulfur. Contact your doctor if these symptoms are severe and/or do not go away:

How Common (based on clinical studies)

Skin dryness, peeling, or itchingUp to 65% of all users
Skin irritation,  burning, or stinging sensationUp to 45% of all users
Unpleasant odorUp to 33.3% of all users
Redness and/or warmth over the areaUp to 30% of all users
Hyperpigmentation following inflammatory lesionsUp to 15% of all users

If you experience any of the following side effects, stop using resorcinol / sulfur immediately and contact your doctor or get emergency medical care right away:

  • A sudden appearance of swelling and rash (known as hives)
  • Swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, or entire face
  • Severe itching
  • Trouble with breathing
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
  • Severe skin irritation or burning
  • Severe skin peeling or blistering

Resorcinol / Sulfur may also cause other side effects that are not mentioned here. Contact your doctor if you experience any other troublesome symptoms when using resorcinol / sulfur.

References
  1. DailyMed. Resorcinol. Available from:. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=03f57a4a-f94b-4ba6-b709-41cfb6e16261. Cited 3 April 2017.
  2. Dayal S, Amrani A, Sahu P, and Kumar Jain V. Jessner’s solution vs. 30% salicylic acid peels: a comparative study of the efficacy and safety in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. J Cosmetic
  3. UpToDate. Sulfur and sulfacetamide: drug information. Available from: https://eresources.library.mssm.edu:3285/contents/sulfur-and-sulfacetamide-drug-information?source=search_result&search=sulfur&selectedTitle=1~121. Cited 30 March 2017.
  4. Breneman DL, and Ariano MC. Successful treatment of acne vulgaris in women with a new topical sodium sulfacetamide/ sulfur lotion. Int J Dermatol 32(5), 365-367 (1993).
  5. Draelos, ZD. The multifunctionaliry of 10% sodium sulfacetamide, 5% sulfur emollient foam in the treatment of inflammatory facial dermatoses. J Drugs Dermatol 9(3), 234- 236.