Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Sulfur ointment for acne
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Sulfur was used to treat many diseases even in ancient medicine: to get rid of intradermal parasites, bacteria, fungal infection, to stop inflammatory processes. Now sulfur is actively used in dermatology. For example, sulfuric ointment for acne is an inexpensive and effective remedy that has not lost its relevance for many decades.
Does sulfuric ointment help with acne?
Sulfur ointment has always been considered an effective remedy for getting rid of acne. But it helps everyone in different ways, because the causes of the appearance of acne in all are different.
Serum ointment will really help in the initial and moderate stage of acne or acne. Also, the remedy works well for white and black spots, but it can not cope with severe cystic eruptions.
If the appearance of acne is associated with hormonal problems in the body, then the use of sulfuric ointment must necessarily be combined with the restoration of the balance of hormones. Such treatment will be appointed by the doctor after the relevant tests have been submitted.
Indications of the sulfuric ointment for acne
In addition to acne and acne, sulfuric ointment can be used:
- to get rid of seborrhea - disruption of the sebaceous glands, which occurs as a result of failure of the nervous and endocrine regulation;
- to eliminate sycosis - a chronic recurrent inflammatory process in the hair follicles mainly of the mustache and beard;
- with psoriasis - scaly lichen, chronic dermatosis presumably of an autoimmune origin;
- with fungal infection - localized fungal infection;
- for acne caused by demodicosis.
[3]
Pharmacodynamics
Acne is often a problem number 1, especially in adolescence. And sulfuric ointment can really help - this drug works virtually trouble-free.
How does this happen?
Purified sulfur blocks the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, which clog pores on the skin of the face (which serves as a stimulus to the appearance of acne).
In addition to antimicrobial action, the ointment can soften and loosen the surface layers of the skin, stimulating their regeneration. Simultaneously, the smallest cracks, ulcers and wounds heal, inflammatory infiltrates are smoothed, the skin tone is leveled, the pigment spots are lightened.
Regenerative properties of the drug cause increased local circulation in the tissues, which contributes to their renewal and healing.
Pharmacokinetics
Active components of sulfuric ointment do not practically enter the circulatory system (less than 5%). This indicator is considered insufficient for the drug to have a systemic effect on the body.
A small amount of a drug in the blood is metabolized in the liver and is excreted from the body mostly through the organs of urination.
[6]
Dosing and administration
Sulfur ointment from acne is used for topical application to problem areas of the skin. The procedure should be carried out up to 3 times a day.
Before applying the ointment, the skin should be prepared: cleaned and disinfected.
The course of treatment with sulfuric ointment should be at least 5 days, and on average - from 7 to 10 days.
No need to use bandages and compresses with ointment from acne, as this can lead to increased dryness of the skin.
Serno Zinc Ointment for Acne
Serno Zinc Ointment is an external remedy that combines zinc oxide, a vaseline base and sulfur in a purified form. Ointment has a less saturated odor than pure sulfuric ointment, so it can be used for those people who are particularly sensitive to various extraneous scents.
The action of sulfuric zinc ointment is adsorptive, tanning, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. In areas of skin with the presence of inflamed acne, the ointment acts healing, forming albumins that prevent destructive processes in the tissues.
In addition, the combination of zinc oxide with sulfur has a moderate antifungal effect.
Serno zinc ointment from acne is applied to problem areas 1-2 times a day, until the skin is healed.
Negative effects and side effects resulting from the use of ointment were not identified.
Serno salicylic ointment from acne
Serno salicylic ointment is widely used in dermatology. In particular, it is successfully used to treat the initial manifestations of psoriasis, scabies and seborrhea.
The antibacterial and antiparasitic action of the ointment makes it possible to successfully apply it also for getting rid of acne. Salicylic acid, part of the ingredients of the product, has a pronounced keratolytic, antifungal and bacteriostatic effect. Thanks to her, the ointment depresses the secretion from the sebaceous and sweat glands, which helps lower the fat content of the skin.
Another active ingredient of the drug - pure sulfur - is known for its antiseptic properties.
Why sulfuric salicylic ointment is actively used for acne?
- Ointment softens the superficial skin scales, stimulates the local anti-inflammatory effect of steroid hormones.
- Upon contact with the skin, active sulphides and panthionic acid are formed on its surface, which have antibacterial and antiparasitic effects.
Pregnant women this drug is contraindicated.
To get rid of pimples, the ointment is applied in the morning and at night. The duration of treatment is determined by the skin condition: the use of the ointment is terminated after cleansing the problem areas from acne.
Serno tar ointment from acne
Serno tar ointment for acne is quite effective, although it is rarely used. Most likely, this is due to the fact that the ointment itself is a thick dark mass with a specific smell, which repels many. The unattractive appearance and aroma imparts to the ointment a mixture of birch tar and sulfur. The same components determine the useful properties of the drug.
Nevertheless, few people know that sulfuric tar can be safely used both in childhood and during pregnancy. Ointment is applied to clean skin and left for several hours (ideally - for 24 hours). Visible effect will be noticeable on the third day of use. The duration of treatment is 10 daily procedures.
Serno tar cream is considered a safe drug. However, sometimes the product can cause allergies. This fact should be taken into account if the drug is used for the first time.
Chopper from acne with sulfur ointment
Especially good reputation in the fight against acne uses chattle - a remedy for pimples with sulfur ointment, which is prepared at home. Boltushku can be applied to individual pimples, or to the places of their congestion.
The best effect can be achieved using two variants of the talkers. One of them is applied during the day, and the other is applied at night.
- In order to prepare the Beatle No. 1, you need to take one bottle of pharmacy 2% salicylic alcohol, and add to it one bottle of 3% boric acid. After this, the resulting solution is divided into two parts, and in one of them add a sulfuric ointment (1/2 tsp for every 30 ml of the solution). After careful mixing, the drug can be used as a night remedy for acne.
- In order to prepare the No.2 chiller, it is necessary to take the second remaining part of the acid-alcohol solution and add salicylic-zinc ointment (1/2 tsp to 30 ml of solution) to it. After thorough mixing, the product can be used throughout the day to cauterize for acne.
The effect of the talkers will be brighter if the treatment is combined with proper nutrition and drinking enough clean water.
[13]
Use of the sulfuric ointment for acne during pregnancy
In dermatology sulfuric ointment is considered to be relatively safe for use during pregnancy and lactation. Relatively - this is because full-fledged studies on the effect of ointment on the child and the process of gestation itself have not been conducted.
However, if you think theoretically, the components of the ointment do not enter the systemic bloodstream, or get in scant amounts, and can not have any negative effect on the body and on the development of the fetus. But, despite this, it is necessary to approach this issue sensibly, and any drug, including sulfuric ointment from acne, should be prescribed only by a doctor. Especially when it comes to pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding.
Contraindications
Sulfur ointment is one of the few drugs that have almost no contraindications. More precisely, there are contraindications, but there are not many of them:
- hypersensitivity of the body to the composition of the ointment;
- children's age up to 3 years.
The period of gestation and breastfeeding of the baby are considered relative contraindications, because in these situations, the decision about the possibility of applying sulfuric ointment from acne is taken by the attending doctor.
Side effects of the sulfuric ointment for acne
Side effects of a systemic nature sulfuric ointment does not have, since the components of the external agent practically do not enter the bloodstream.
As for local reactions, in rare cases, after applying the ointment may develop an allergic reaction. This manifests itself in the form of rashes, redness of the skin, swelling, itching. If such symptoms occur, then it is better not to use this ointment, but to contact the doctor.
[10]
Overdose
So far, no complaints of sulfur ointment overdose have been reported. However, despite this, doctors do not recommend using the drug for a long time, as well as apply ointment thick layer on large areas of the skin.
In addition, to avoid overdrying the skin, it is not recommended to keep the ointment on the face for more than 5 hours in a row.
[14]
Interactions with other drugs
Simultaneously with the use of sulfuric ointment from acne, the use of other external and internal drugs is not contraindicated. You can take pills or capsules prescribed by your doctor, receive injections, drink syrups and solutions for internal use.
Simultaneous use of external agents for acne and sulfuric ointment should be coordinated with a dermatologist, as some drugs enhance the dryness of the skin at the site of application. Most often, these drugs alternate: for example, sulfuric ointment from acne is applied at night, and other drugs - throughout the day, or in the morning.
Storage conditions
Sulfur ointment, which is used to get rid of acne, does not require special storage conditions. It is not necessary to store the ointment in the refrigerator, since the drug is perfectly preserved in a dry, darkened place.
Serum ointment should be stored in safe places where small children are not allowed access.
Shelf life
Shelf life of the drug - up to 2 years.
Sulfur ointment from acne is used and is prescribed often, so you can buy this drug in any pharmacy. For this, it is not at all necessary to have a prescription from a doctor. Preference should be given to ointments with a high concentration of sulfur (about 10%).
[17]
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Sulfur ointment for acne" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.