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%
4
37.1%
3
15.2%
2
7.3%
1
2%

Used Sodium Sulfacetamide / Sulfur? Rate It:

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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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August 15, 2008

Pros:

Suphera (generic of Plexion) smells great and is a very easy, once-a-day treatment. Keeps skin feeling clean and oil free all day. Doesn't burn or irritate my face in any way. Also, because it contains no bezoyl peroxide, clothing doesn't stain.

Cons:

None.

This is an amazing medication and I highly recommend it to anyone who has had trouble with benzoyl peroxide based medication or if you have sensitive skin. My acne is caused by shaving and I've had very few issues since using Suphera. On another note, I've read several reviews that say this medication is being used in conjunction with other meds. This could be a reason for not seeing results. Too much medication can dry out and irritate the skin. Unless you have very severe acne, a single prescription strength treatment should present good results.
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October 5, 2007

Pros:

I love this Clenia facial wash. I noticed a difference within a couple of days. My skin is smoother and looks better than it ever has. I am 44 and have been battling acne skin since I was a teenager.

Cons:

I use the generic and it doesn't really have that bad of a smell

I would recommend this to anyone to try.
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July 7, 2007

Pros:

Works wonders on rosacia.

Cons:

None...just keep it away from your eyes.

I suffered from rosacia my entire adult life: red, itchy and scaly skin. Tried everything, only steroids worked. And, not for long. Plexion has been a miracle, finally have normal skin "just like everyone else." I can't recommend it enough.
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December 10, 2012

Pros:

A good cleanser for taking off makeup
Made my skin feel clean
Good packaging
Lathers well

Cons:

Smell bad (sulfury)

I used the cleansing cloth version of this and really liked it while I was on it. Used with differin gel and minocycline (on and off). The cloths were packaged well and I usually tore them in half and got 2 uses out of them. They lathered really well and were great for taking off my makeup. They always made my skin feel clean and I feel like they did a good job of getting rid of excess oil. Only con is that they reeked of sulfur (which of course is an active ingredient))!
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August 18, 2009

Pros:

Worked great on my rosacea acne and I've been able to eliminate the use of antibitoics. Best product I have tried.

Cons:

The smell and it plugged the drain in the bathroom sink.

Best product I have found for rosacea acne in five years! I would highly recommend it. I found it's cheaper to get from a Canadian pharmacy than in the US with my health insurance!
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August 22, 2008

Pros:

Effective, works fast, and refreshing

Cons:

None

Before my dermatologist prescribed this cleanser, I had a bad break out of acne when i used one of the neutrogena cleanser to help me prevent very minor acne problem. But, after using this cleanser, it strictly prevent any new acne to grow, which is the main goal to clear skin. I just had some redness before using the cleanser, but that'll go away. But I would recommend to see a dermatologist or any physician before using this cleanser because i've read some reviews from the users and they use that it made it worse thats simply because of the sentrivetly of your skin is different and it varies which cleanser is more suitable for your skin. SO ask your doctor FIRST.
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July 23, 2008

Pros:

works immediately!!! my face was covered in red, itchy burning bumps... raised bumps that looked like bee stings..whiteheads were horrible...have been dealing with this for years...acne.rosacea along with nerves caused all of this...

Cons:

cream is a little hard to rub in but, no big deal considering the problems i had with my skin

this is my 2nd day of use and it is unbelieveable the difference it has made. i am sure that within a month or less...it will all be gone if such a difference was made in 2 days!! i have been embarassed for years of my skin and so ashamed. it was controlling my life if you can understand that. i have only used the sample so i don't know what the co-pay on my insurance will be. i would recommend it to anybody. i don't smell the odor that i was told it was going to have and i wouldn't really care anyway. i can't say enough. i bet i work more now cause i have taken off of work many times when the 'flare-up' gets really bad because i was so humiliated. my coworkers have commented many times about 'what is wrong with your skin?' i will update in a few weeks...hopefully, my skin has a cure.
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July 1, 2008

Pros:

It works well! I am very happy with the results! I have tried many different things and this "stinky" cream works.

Cons:

It smells strong and it is hard to get rid of the smell in clothes and bed sheets. It is true it was expensive even with insurance but my pharmacist found a generic brand which i only paid 7.00 for!! Continued below!!

So, my advice, is talk to different pharmacies and find one that will allow the substitution.
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October 11, 2007

Pros:

Plexion is GREAT! Makes my skin very soft and smooth and cleared acne almost immediately. I have not had this good of luck with any other product - prescription or over-the-counter.

Cons:

Skin was dry and flaky (nothing extreme) for first 2 weeks. I was using twice daily and still continue to do so. No dryness now. Pricey - my copay is $65, but 12 oz seems to last for quite a while. Smell isn't awesome, but not terrible either.

Pros outweigh cons significantly. Plexion cleared my face beautifully. I hope it continues to work. I have noticed that if I do not use it in the a.m., then by that evening I can see some small bumps forming - but after washing in the evening it seems clear again. It's worth a shot!
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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.