Short Contact Therapy With Sulfacetamide-Sulfur Mask to Treat Facial Dermatoses: Observational Analysis Based on Private Practice Experience

摘要

Available since the mid-1950s, topical application of sulfacetamide-sulfur has proven to be effective for the treatment of acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea. Lotion formulations initially introduced into the marketplace proved to be effective in trials. However, clinical use was limited primarily by unacceptable malodor related to the sulfur component. Over time, improvements in formulation science provided vehicles with greater cosmetic elegance and patient acceptability. Vehicle formulations currently on the market include a cleanser, a topical suspension, a cream, a gel, a lotion, and a silica-based mask.The mask formulation allows for short contact application and has been shown to augment the clinical response to treatment for acne vulgaris when used in combination with a topical retinoid. Topical sulfacetamide-sulfur is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea. Suggested clinical applications and efficacy of the mask formulation (short contact therapy) have received limited attention in the literature compared with prolonged contact "leave on" formulations. This article examines the clinical application of short contact therapy using a silica-based sulfacetamide-sulfur mask (Flexion SCP) for the treatment of common facial disorders such as acne vulgaris and rosacea. Emphasis will be placed on the value of this approach when used in combination with other topical agents for acne vulgaris.