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Short-Contact Daily Sulfacetamide-Sulfur Mask Appears Effective Treatment for Acne: Presented at AAD

By Maggie Schwarz

NEW YORK, NY -- August 3, 2004 -- Application of a once-daily sulfacetamide-sulfur mask is safe and effective in the treatment of acne, according to research presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Summer Scientific Meeting held here July 28^th to August 1^st.

Sulfacetamide-sulfur has been proven to be effective for acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea since the mid-1950s. The sulfur component's odor, however, rendered clinical use undesirable. Over time, improvements in formulation afforded greater patient acceptability. Formulations now include cleanser, topical suspension, cream gel, lotion, and the silica-based mask.

A patented sulfur-sulfacetamide silica-based mask used in short-contact therapy is approved for acne vulgaris, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. This formulation has now been studied further in 18 men and 2 women, aged 17 to 35 years, with acne. James Q. Del Rosso, DO, FAOCD, clinical assistant professor, department of dermatology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Las Vegas, Nevada, performed the open-label study and presented the findings.

All subjects were undergoing treatment with a variety of other topical acne medications and some were also receiving oral antibiotic therapy for at least 3 to 4 months. They had achieved significant partial benefit from their acne program, but still had persistent, predominantly comedonal and superficial inflammatory lesions. Some patients were seeking further therapy due to individually scattered, deeper inflammatory papules (breakthrough acne).

A 5% silica-based mask containing 10% sulfacetamide-sulfur applied in the evening for 10 to 15 minutes was added to the patients' current regimen.

According to the Dr. Del Rosso's global assessment, 13 patients (65%) had marked improvement, 6 (30%) had moderate improvement, and 1 (5%) had no improvement. The sulfacetamide-sulfur mask was safe and effective in this cohort of acne patients, Dr. Del Rosso concluded. Addition of the mask to a topical retinoid applied at bedtime demonstrated added therapeutic benefit, he said.

Patient ranked their acceptance of the sulfacetamide-sulfur mask mostly as high (70%), and Patient Global Assessment of improvement was rated as "great" by 50% of patients and as "good" by 35% of patients.


[Presentation title: The Use of Short Contact Therapy With Sulfacetamide-Sulfur Mask for the Treatment of Common Facial Dermatoses: An Observational Analysis Based on Private Practice Experience.]

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