A reexamination of the potential comedogenicity of sulfur

Abstract

The present study was designed to reexamine the question of the potential comedogenicity of topical sulfur. Studies were done by two different investigators in two separate institutions with groups of 12 and 40 subjects, respectively. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the occluded test sites before and after a six-week period of treatment. Each subject received a patch test of 5% sulfur in either an octoxynol 9 (Triton X-100) or a carbomer 934P (Carbopol 934P) vehicle and one of two controls consisting of the Triton X-100 vehicle or a dry patch test. We conclude that no trend or correlation was noted between the presence or absence of sulfur in the formulation and the appearance of comedones. The Triton X-100 vehicle itself appeared to be comedogenic under the experimental conditions.

Effects of intraperitoneal injection of Rofecoxib in a mouse model of ALS

“…However, these investigators used dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (10 mg/ml) as the vehicle rather than 5% Triton X 100 used in this study. It should be noted that Triton X 100 and similar solvents have been used as vehicles for in vivo drug delivery (Strauss et al, 1978;Turner et al, 2003). It is possible that a better solubility in DMSO may have led to more effective absorption of Rofecoxib.…”

Correspondence

“…Sulfur is also known as a mild keratolytic agent that has been used for many different skin diseases for many years. Although Mills and Kligman (1) reported sulfur was a comedogenic agent, Strauss et al (2) observed contrary results. We decided to re-evaluate clinically this old topical acne preparation as a new lotion formulation that is cosmetically more acceptable than several of the marketed formulations.…”

Less Common Methods to Treat Acne

“…Sulfur-containing formulations have been reported to be comedogenic in the rabbit ear model and also in humans, when applied under occlusions for 6 weeks [1]. However, other studies have failed to reproduce this experience on the potential comedogenicity of sulfur-containing preparations [2]. Although its use has been discontinued, it may eventually be found in some preparations in combination with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol and other compounds.…”