Sulfur Soap

Sulfur is a yellow-colored, naturally-occurring mineral. Though the mention of this chemical element reminds one of gunpowder, matches, dyes and fertilizer, there is much more to this mineral. Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, it is often referred to as a healing mineral. The medicinal uses of sulfur are numerous and it has been used for the treatment of various skin diseases since ages. Sulfur is used as an active ingredient in most of the medicated skin care products. Several skin diseases that are caused due to the action of bacteria and fungi can be treated through topical application of soaps made from sulfur. Dermatologists often recommend the use of sulfur soap bar for alleviating the symptoms of various types of skin diseases. Here's some information about the benefits of using soap made from sulfur.

Sulfur and Skin Care

Sulfur was used by the ancient Romans and Chinese for treating wounds and skin diseases since times immemorial. No wonder, sulfur is used in the soap making process for producing medicated soaps. While ordinary perfumed soap bars might be pleasant-smelling, these might not be able to protect you from bacterial and fungal attacks. There are several skin conditions, the treatment of which involves the use of soap, creams or lotions that have sulfur. Let's find out about the conditions that can be treated with sulfur-based products.

Acne
Sulfur is an active ingredient in most of the acne skin care products. Those who have an acne-prone skin are often recommended to use sulfur-based soaps for acne. One of the common causes of acne is excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. When skin pores or hair follicles get clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, it gives rise to acne. Since sulfur reduces the oiliness and protects the skin from bacteria, it helps in preventing the spread of whiteheads, blackheads and inflammatory pimples. The treatment of infected hair follicles might also involve the use of soap bars or creams that contain sulfur.

Rosacea
Sulfur-based soaps are often recommended for those suffering from rosacea. Rosacea is a skin disorder that manifests in the form of facial blushing. It is characterized by redness around the cheeks, nose and forehead. Sometimes the skin around the ears, neck, scalp and chest might also get affected. The blood vessels under the skin might also become more pronounced or visible. It is believed that rosacea might be caused due to intestinal bacteria or demodex mites. Though there is no cure for rosacea, the symptoms can be controlled to some extent by using soap bars that are made from sulfur.

Scabies
Dermatologists also recommend such soaps for scabies. Scabies is a parasitic skin infection caused by microscopic mites. It can spread through person-to-person contact. The symptoms of scabies include severe itching and skin rashes. Most anti-scabies medications use sulfur as an ingredient. Sulfur kills these mites and the use of sulfur-based skin care products help in successful treatment of scabies. It has been seen that six weeks of application of the soap is required for the scabies rash to heal, but it would be to consult the dermatologist so as to find out about the time duration for which you need to use the soap. Besides these skin conditions, use of sulfur-based soaps has proved to be beneficial in the treatment of skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, warts and pityriasis versicolor.

How to Use Sulfur-based Soaps

Sulfur-based soap bars are readily available in the market. Some of them have 10% sulfur content, but if your skin is very sensitive, you should buy the milder ones that have about 3% sulfur. Though you can go through the reviews before buying a sulfur-based soap bar, it's recommended that you buy the one prescribed by your doctor. Make sure that you apply it as per the directions. After wetting the area with water, wet the soap bar. Work up a lather and apply it only to the affected area and rinse it with water. The soap shouldn't come in contact with your eyes and must not be swallowed. Since sulfur causes the skin to swell, soften and peel, there might be a mild swelling, itching and peeling of skin, but if you experience a severe allergic reaction on using the soap, discontinue its use and consult your doctor. Those of you who are using anticoagulants or any medications must mention these details to your doctor. This is to eliminate the chances of you suffering from adverse drug interactions. Pregnant women and nursing mothers must refrain from using sulfur-based soap bar.

If you have been asked to use a medicated soap that contains sulfur, make sure that you use it as per the directions given by the manufacturer. If you experience severe side effects, discontinue its use and consult your doctor.