Sulfur topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne.

Sulfur topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin or scalp.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

You may need to shake this medicine before each use. Follow directions on the label.

Wash your hands before and after applying sulfur topical lotion. Also clean and gently dry the skin area to be treated.

Apply a thin layer of sulfur topical lotion to the affected skin up to 3 times per day. Rub in gently. Apply the lotion less often if your skin becomes overly dry or peels.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage. Heat or bandaging can increase the amount of drug absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.

When using sulfur topical shampoo, follow all directions on the product label. You may need to leave the shampoo on your scalp for a few minutes before rinsing.

It may take several weeks before your skin condition improves. Keep using the medication as directed and call a doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Do not stop using this medicine if you do not see results immediately.

Store sulfur topical at room temperature. Do not freeze.

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Cream and bar form:
Use on the skin as needed.

Lotion form:
Use on the skin two or three times a day.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

Cream and bar form:
Use on the skin as needed.

Lotion form:
Use on the skin two or three times a day.

You should not use sulfur topical if you are allergic to sulfur.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have severe acne, or acne over large areas of skin.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

An overdose of sulfur topical is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Avoid getting sulfur topical in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on your lips. Rinse with water if contact does occur.

Do not use on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin.

Also avoid using sulfur topical on areas of eczema. Wait until these areas have healed before using this medicine.

Avoid using other acne medications on the areas you treat with sulfur topical, unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps or skin cleansers, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Sulfur topical may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning, redness, or swelling where the medicine was applied;

• severe dryness or peeling of treated skin; or

• new or worsening skin symptoms.

Common side effects of sulfur topical may include:

• mild burning, tingling, stinging, itching, or redness;

• peeling, dryness; or

• oily skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.