What is sulfur topical?
Topical sulfur causes drying and peeling of the skin. This allows excess oil and dirt to be easily washed away. Sulfur topical is used to treat acne. Sulfur topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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What are the possible side effects of sulfur topical?
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using sulfur topical and seek
emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing
of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
You may experience some burning, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, dryness, peeling,
or irritation while you are using sulfur topical. If these side effects are excessive, apply sulfur
topical less often.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
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How should I use sulfur topical?
Use sulfur topical exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Wash your hands before and after applying this medication. Shake lotions well before using them. Clean and dry the area to which you will apply sulfur topical. Apply the medication to the affected area. When applying sulfur topical, avoid your eyes, the inside of your nose and mouth, your lips, and areas where the skin is broken to prevent excessive irritation. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water.
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What is the most important information I should know about sulfur topical?
Do not use sulfur on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin or on open wounds. Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using sulfur topical.
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What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only your next regularly scheduled dose.
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What other drugs will affect sulfur topical?
Do not use other topical preparations unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with your treatment or increase irritation to your skin. Avoid using harsh, abrasive or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are treating. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with sulfur topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter medicines.
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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?
Sulfur topical has not been formally assigned to a pregnancy category by the FDA. Animal studies have not been conducted. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Sulfur topical should only be given during pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks.
There are no data on the excretion of sulfur topical into human milk.
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What does my medication look like?
Sulfur topical is available over the counter under many brand and generic names in lotion, creams, facial-mask, and soap formulations. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of sulfur topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if sulfur topical has been ingested, call a poison control center or emergency room for advice.
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Who should not use sulfur topical?
Do not use sulfur topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions much worse. Also avoid using sulfur topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication. Do not use sulfur topical during treatment with other topical acne products unless otherwise directed with your doctor. The combination could lead to severe skin irritation. It is not known whether sulfur topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use sulfur topical without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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