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How does sulfur work in acne, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis ?

Sulfur is keratolytic (unclog skin pores), antifungal, and antibacterial activity. Accumulation of dry keratin on the skin surface and the openings of skin pores are the primary cause of blackheads, whiteheads, and future acne breakouts. When applied to the skin, sulfur interacts with cysteine to form hydrogen sulfide that can dissolve excessive keratin, accumulating in skin oil glands and on the skin's surface. Sulfur was also found to inhibit the overgrowth of P. acnes and some Streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus.

How does sulfur work in Rosacea?

Sulfur has an inhibitory effect on Demodex mites, which explains its impact on Rosacea. One study compared a 10% sulfur cream to oral antibiotics (tetracycline). This study showed that sulfur cream significantly reduced Rosacea's inflammatory components more than oral antibiotic treatment. The relapse rate within six months was similar for both treatments.

How does sulfur work in Seborrheic Dermatitis?

Trials evaluating the effectiveness of sulfur in seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, and pityriasis Versicolor were very effective. Adverse events were minimal and included a mild burning sensation and dry skin.

Ordering the sulfur 3% treatment cream
More info on sulfur for acne and Rosacea
More information on sulfur for seborrheic dermatitis
More information on fungal acne

References:

  1. Lin AN, Reimer RJ, Carter DM. Sulfur revisited. J Am Acad Dermatol 1988; 18: 553-558.
  2. Sulfur. In: AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharamacists, Inc; 2003: 3426-3428.
  3. Ayres S. Jr. Demodex folliculorum as a pathogen. Cutis 1986; 37: 441.
  4. Erbagci Z, Ozgoztasi O. The significance of Demodex folliculorum density in rosacea. Int J Dermatol 1998; 37: 421-425.
  5. Burns DA. Follicle mites and their role in disease. Clin Exp Dermatol 1992; 17: 152-155.
  6. Forton F, Seys B. Density of Demodex folliculorum in Rosacea: a case-control study using standardized skin-surface biopsy. Br J Dermatol 1993; 128: 650-659.
  7. Roihu T. Kariniemi AL. Demodex mites in acne rosacea. J Cutan Pathol 1998; 25: 550-552.
  8. Robinson TWE. Demodex folliculorum and rosacea. A clinical and histological study. Arch Dermatol 1965; 92: 542-544.
  9. Mills OH Jr. Kligman AM. Is sulfur helpful or harmful in acne vulgaris? Br J Dermatol 1972; 86: 620-627.
  10. Blom I, Hornmark AM. Topical treatment with sulfur 10 percent for Rosacea. Acta Derm Venereol 1984; 64: 358-359.
  11. Bamford JTM. Treatment of tinea versicolor with sulfur-salicylic shampoo. J Am Acad Dermatol 1983; 8: 211-213.
  12. Leyden JJ, et al. Effects of sulfur and salicylic acid in a shampoo base in dandruff treatment: a double-blind study using corneocyte counts and clinical grading. Cutis 1987; 39: 557-561.

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