Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
Reviews
4.0
150 Reviews
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
Efficacy
81%
Based on All Available Studies
Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
Side Effects
Low-Medium
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
Acne.org’s Real World Take
Not often used because it smells bad, colors the skin when applied, and can (rarely) lead to severe side effects. Limited evidence shows that it does significantly clear mild-to-moderate acne, but we need more research to know for sure how well it works.
Topical Antibiotic / Topical Keratolytic
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this medication. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Read All About Sodium Sulfacetamide / Sulfur
Compare To Other Treatments
5
38%
4
37.3%
3
15.3%
2
7.3%
1
2%

Used Sodium Sulfacetamide / Sulfur? Rate It:

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July 19, 2011

Pros:

Clears up my breakouts and is gentle enough for me to use twice a day on my extremely sensitive skin. Works for my acne and rosacea!

Cons:

The wash doesn't foam like it claims, but if that's the only issue..it's so worth it.

I tried every drug store product avaliable in the past 9 years that I have struggled with acne. Finally, I decided to go to the dermatologist and he prescribed this product and it really does work. I feel happier and more confident than I have in years!
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June 7, 2011
Product used: Prascion (Cleanser)

Pros:

Helps a lot with acne
Sheds dead skin

Cons:

Can be drying

I started using this about a year ago along with Epiduo and Doryx antibiotic. Now I am not using the Doryx anymore but I'm using everything else. My skin is so clear healthy. When I started using this my skin was covered in scars and pimples and now I only get the occasional pimple. I'm using this every other day because it can be drying, but ive been noticing a few more pimples, which I think is due to the warm weather and sweat, so I think I'll start using it everyday. I also use this on my chest and back. For a while I stopped using it there and I noticed a lot more breakouts and I started using it again for summer so I can wear cute tank tops and such and not be embarrassed. Anyway, this stuff is a life saver! I always use my Epiduo but sometimes I'll forget to use this and I notice more pimples, so it really works! I just got a refill on this and the bottle is MUCH bigger bottle than what it used to be in, which is good for me considering I use it on my face, back and chest. Plus, it wasn't more expensive than the smaller bottle.
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May 14, 2011

Pros:

-sheds off top layer of skin
-helps reduce oil
-it feels smooth & foamy when applied
-works better when left on till dries

Cons:

-mom says my face smells like matches although i cant smell it,prob cus im used to it
-it can be expensive without insurance
-try to avoid eyes cus it stings obviously and when i used it as a spot treatment it got in my eye and woke up from it stinging for about 2 min =)

its a good product and ive benefieted well off of it and ive been using it for 2 months,but still have breakouts every now and then but it helps control it from getting out of hand..:)
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March 31, 2011

Pros:

Easy to use, easy to apply. Cream disappears after application. I am able to wear makeup over the cream.

Cons:

it smells (sulfur) but I did get used to it.

Clenia was a MIRACLE for me. I have suffered from cystic acne for 15 years. I had tried EVERYTHING short of accutane. It wasn't until my doctor finally diagnosed me with sebborheic dermatitis and granulomatous rosacea that we started this treatment. Within a month I was CYST FREE.
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January 23, 2011
Product used: Prascion (Cleanser)

Pros:

Highy effective
easy-to-use

Cons:

Stinky odor

I'm 38, and I had tried everything. Antibiotics, Retin A, salicylic acid, and Murad. NOTHING worked as well as this does. For the last two years, my skin looks the best it has ever looked in my whole life. If I skip a couple of nights, I notice some new pimples. That proves to me I would still be having breakouts If I wasn't using Prascion.
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December 20, 2010

Pros:

Works really well. I have tried so many topicals (Differin, Tazorac, Klaron lotion, retin-a, proactive) and so far this works the best. It does not dry out my skin, or leave it feeling greasy. It also does not cause redness which is a problem that I've had with other topicals. I use this in conjunction with keflex and so far so good. Hopefully this will save me from having to use accutane

Cons:

Smells bad (doesn't bother me that much), expensive even with insurance. Pharamacist told me that a lot of insurances do not cover it.

Would recommend highly. If moderate to severe acne, best to use in conjunction with either an antibiotic or birth control pill if acne is hormonally influenced.
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December 1, 2010
Product used: Prascion (Cleanser)

Cons:

still have my break out

I have not seen any improvements, around the pimples seems better. but the pumps are still coming and here. combination of meds and cream
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August 6, 2010
Product used: Prascion (Cleanser)

Pros:

works very fast
clears skin
gives a clean feeling

Cons:

drys skin a little
doesn't lather very well

I just got this a week ago and i immediately started to see results, but keep in mind that i am using this in combination with benzaclin. My acne is clearing up and my overall complexion is better. It has 5% sulfur and 10% sodium sulfacetamide which i think is an anti-biotic. Its really great and i think that with this and benzaclin twice a day ill be free of acne! Only time will tell.
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February 18, 2010

Pros:

Works pretty fast

Cons:

smells kinda bad

at worst it dried my face out really bad. i only use it where the acne is. i saw my face clearing up in as little as 2 days. i use it in the morning and at night. i got this at costco for 4.00
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December 21, 2009

Pros:

works very quickly, easy to use, no hormones or antibiotics, no sun sensitivity

Cons:

smells slightly bad, expensive

i love it, and continue to get it through my mother and sister's prescriptions [because i no longer have a doctor or insurance!]. it's amazing.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.