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Dear Gissele, If you're allergic to sulfa, this means you have a reaction when you take  sulfonamides, a family of medications including the antibiotics, Bactrim and Septra. Sulfacetamide, but not sulfur, is a type of sulfonamide (sulfa) - the type of medication to which you are allergic. A small percentage of individuals who are allergic to sulfa antibiotics when taken internally react to sulfa antibiotics when they are applied to the skin. You should make sure that your dermatologist is aware that you are allergic to sulfa. He/she may advise you to minimize potential absorption of sulfa into your body from the sulfa cream by not applying it to extensive areas, by avoiding application to broken or irritated skin and/or by avoiding the application of additional acne treatments (such as exfoliants).   You may suspect an allergic reaction  if you develop redness or itching of your skin in the areas where the acne medication was applied. - or, rarely, fever, mouth sores or joint pains. If you're concerned that you have an allergic reaction, you should call your dermatologist to discuss this. If you're worried that you might develop an allergic reaction, you can discuss switching to another acne medication by phone or when you follow up with your dermatologist.   Hope this helps! Dr. Hema