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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June 25, 2009

Pros:

Clears up face within a few days, Inexpensive if you have health insurance ($10)

Cons:

Need a prescription, can cause blotchiness/redness at first,

This has been the best topical product that I have ever used. I have tried everything and I have finally found something that stops all my breakouts and has allowed for my face to heal. I have used Accutane (which was successful at the time) but I don't like to take anything that throws off my internal chemical balance (hormones, etc.) If sulfur products seem to work with your face, I cannot recommend a better product! I wash with the face wash once in the morning and once at night and have actually seen better results when I use the face wash without the topical cream that is supposed to work in conjunction with it. When I use the cream, it tends to dry my face out too much and causes redness/blotchiness. **Give the product about 2 weeks to get used to. By the end of the first bottle of foaming face wash, I had no acne/breakouts and I have never been a happier or more confident person since.
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May 6, 2015
Try OTC Medicated Sulfur Soap 10% by Joesoef Skin Care Dermatologists Dispensed
Plexion no longer accepted by insurance, my dermatologists recommended trying $9 Sulfur Soap 10% by Joesoef Skin Care this soap is anti bacterial, anti fungal and antiseptic and it works. its available online [link removed] for best results use warm water and work the soap into a rich foamy lather, allow 60 seconds before rinse. This soap is 100% effective for Acne, All Dermatitis, Rosacea, fungus, Bacteria, Tinea Versicolor and more. a must try $9 alternative....So glad i found this soap
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December 16, 2012

Pros:

Seems to work
Gets rid of breakouts
Not painful
Like a facial
Kit comes with a moisturizer

Cons:

Leaves skin feeling dry
Makes my skin hot when I put it on
Takes 5-10 minutes for the whole process

I got this a couple weeks ago as a cleanser/wash. It seems to work very well. I haven't had any serious breakouts (or any new pimples at all) since I started, and the pimples that I do have are from me trying to pop them... You have to leave it on for five minutes before washing it off, so it does take a little time. You put it on before you go to sleep and when you wake up. I would definitely recommend this! (Oh, and I'm taking this with Epiduo.)
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December 29, 2008

Pros:

Everything is great about the wash.

Cons:

The smell is not pleasant, but you'll get over it.

I am 50 years old and I always had clear skin never acne or zits, until one day I had a rash on my neck and a little on my face and the Dermatologist claimed it was adult acne she prescribed the wash and I have not seen a rash on my neck or face in the last month since starting to use this product. My skin is soft and acne and zit free.
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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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June 12, 2015
Plexion is back.
For those that remember it was discontinued a couple of years ago. I've just got my prescription from my doctor. The pharmacy had to order it. 20 bucks co-pay. They have a new website Plexion-info.
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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 22, 2009

Pros:

I HAVE HAD ACNE ALL OF MY ADULT LIFE

Cons:

I DECIDED TO GO TO THE DEMETOLOGIST ONE DAY AND MY DOCTOR PRESCRIBED CLENIA FOAM WASH, DUAC AND DIFFERIN FOR ME

I TRIED IT, THE VERY FIRST APPLICATION, IT HAD A CHANGE. MY BREAKS OUTS STARTED TO DISAPPEAR. THIS IS SOME GREAT STUFF! I RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT TO ANYONE WITH ACNE, ASK YOUR DOCTOR IF YOUR QUALIFY? THANK YOU GOD FOR SEND ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. GALE ADAMS, ELLENWOOD, GA
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June 10, 2008

Pros:

I have never use anything like this before you begin to see results in just matter of days...My skin was an even tone and i received compliments on my skin

Cons:

Depending on your insurance this product can be expensive...I noticed the price increase twice while using the product...

This is the BEST PRODUCT to resolve skin problems...I just requested another refill on my prescription...I use it twice daily once on the morning and evening oafter my workouts...Three during the week I will actually apply a light facial mask and sleep...the final results will speak volumes
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August 5, 2011
Product used: Prascion (Cleanser)

Pros:

Works very well.
Highly reccomended

Cons:

no issues. Those complaining about the smell are a bunch of pansies. The smell is not bad nor good. I never even thought about the smell til i saw these reviews. You use this to get rid of your acne, not to make you smell delicious. Be reasonable about the CONS of a product.

This is an awesome product. I have gone through accutane treatment before for my acne and it went very well. But after a year post accutane, i started to get little under the skin bumps all over my face. I tried everything which included differin, retin a, clyndamycin, tazorac, finacea blah blah blah for the tons of little bumps i had. Then i tried the prascion wash first once a day which didnt work. Then i tried twice a day and started seeig results. The bumps either went away, or pushed to the surface where it could be extracted. Now my face remains clear! hopefully it stays that way with the wash. I highly reccomend the wash!
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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.