The use of sulfur in dermatology

J Drugs Dermatol. 2004 Jul-Aug;3(4):427-31.

Abstract

Sulfur has antifungal, antibacterial, and keratolytic activity. In the past, its use was widespread in dermatological disorders such as acne vulgaris, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, pityriasis versicolor, scabies, and warts. Adverse events associated with topically applied sulfur are rare and mainly involve mild application site reactions. Sulfur, used alone or in combination with agents such as sodium sulfacetamide or salicylic acid, has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of many dermatological conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / therapeutic use
  • Dermatitis, Seborrheic / drug therapy
  • Dermatologic Agents / chemistry
  • Dermatologic Agents / pharmacology
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Rosacea / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Sulfacetamide / administration & dosage
  • Sulfacetamide / therapeutic use
  • Sulfur / chemistry
  • Sulfur / pharmacology
  • Sulfur / therapeutic use*
  • Sulfur Compounds / chemistry
  • Sulfur Compounds / pharmacology
  • Sulfur Compounds / therapeutic use*
  • Tinea Versicolor / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Sulfur Compounds
  • Sulfacetamide
  • Sulfur