Sulfur ointment for demodecosis

Sulfur ointment is widely used in the treatment of a large number of skin pathologies, such as scabies, seborrhea, psoriasis or dermatitis. It is a very popular remedy among young people in the fight against acne. However, sulfur ointment is especially effective for demodicosis - a lesion caused by a subcutaneous mite. It is often prescribed in combination with antibacterial agents and salicylates.

Treatment of demodicosis with sulfur ointment can significantly improve the condition of the skin:

• The Demodex mite, which causes this disease, lives in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. When the disease occurs, the skin takes on a spotty, hyperemic appearance, reminiscent of acne. In advanced cases, the skin becomes bumpy, with a crimson hue. Sulfur ointment, after application to the affected skin areas, enters into a local reaction with the formation of sulfides and pentathionic acid. The resulting substances have a pronounced antiparasitic, antimicrobial and keratolytic effect;
• the liniment is effective on its own, but dermatologists advise using it only in combination with the antimicrobial agent Metronidazole, which potentiates its properties;
• It is not recommended to use sulfur ointment for more than 10 days in a row to avoid excessive skin irritation.

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Indications for the use of sulfur ointment for demodicosis

Sulfur ointment is prescribed for the classic course of demodicosis - a disease that is accompanied by damage to the skin by a microscopic parasitic mite - a mite. This parasite settles in places of increased sweating, inside the sebaceous ducts and hair follicles.

Demodecosis can be complicated by a number of concomitant pathologies - this can be acne, dermatitis or rosacea, as well as eye lesions - blepharitis or conjunctivitis.

The active life of the tick can provoke serious changes in the structure of the epidermal tissue. During the disease, the patient may have rashes, acne, small ulcers, clear areas of inflammation, nodules that can cover the entire surface of the face. The skin begins to become covered with scales, and the function of the sebaceous glands increases. The patient may complain of itching, shine, and an unpleasant odor of the skin.

To prevent the tick from actively spreading to other parts of the body, treatment should be carried out as early as possible.

Release form

The liniment is available in glass jars or aluminum tubes.

The drug consists of the following substances:

• precipitated sulfur;
• water-petroleum jelly consistent emulsion.

It is an ointment-like substance of a slightly yellowish hue. It can be produced in two versions, depending on the sulfur content in the preparation (10% or 33%).

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Pharmacodynamics

The liniment has a softening and drying effect, protects, and in large doses irritates the skin.

The drug is prescribed for external treatment of the disease. When distributed on the skin, a reaction of the active component with the components of the epidermal layer and with the tissues of parasites is observed, which determines the bactericidal and antiparasitic effect of the drug.

Sulfur ointment with 10% concentration of active substance helps to strengthen formation of cells of the outer covering, for several days restores tissues after superficial wounds and defects. The product has a keratoplastic effect, softens the skin, providing rapid neutralization of parasites and bacteria. Successfully eliminates itching.

Highly concentrated liniment with 33% sulfur content makes the epidermal layer looser, exfoliates dead skin particles. Therefore, it is more suitable for the treatment of diseases accompanied by keratinization of the skin (acne, seborrheic dermatitis). The drug with a 33% concentration has an irritating effect on skin receptors, which accelerates superficial blood flow, stimulating local metabolic processes.

Sulfur dries the tissues a little, creating a feeling of tightness and exfoliation of the surface layer, so it is recommended to strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage of the drug.

Since the sulfur-based liniment is a topical agent for external use, the pharmacokinetics of the drug are not presented.

Method of administration and dosage

The most common uses of the drug are as follows:

• distribute the liniment over the surface of the affected skin;
• if the affected area is large enough, it is applied to a surface extending beyond the affected area;
• as a rule, the medicine is used once a day, preferably at night, without washing off for four to five hours, but, according to indications, it can be used 2-3 times a day;
• wash off the product by wiping the skin with oil;
• the duration of treatment is usually not less than one week and not more than 10 days;
• At the end of the course of treatment, the affected area should be washed thoroughly (if it is the face, then wash thoroughly).

When using the drug, it is necessary to adhere especially carefully to the rules of personal hygiene. It is important to change bed linen as often as possible, especially pillowcases. Feather pillows should be replaced with new ones, preferably containing synthetic fillers: such pillows exclude re-infestation with ticks.

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Using sulfur ointment for demodicosis during pregnancy

As a rule, with the onset of pregnancy, women should be very careful with the choice of medications, including those for external use. Medicines taken without a doctor's prescription can harm the developing child in the womb. However, local use of some external drugs is still allowed.

Sulfur-based liniment, which is prescribed for the treatment of scabies, seborrhea, acne, demodicosis or dermatitis, is considered one of the safest during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It effectively removes bacteria, cleanses pores, dries the skin, giving it freshness and purity.

The risk of developing side effects during treatment is very small. However, it is still worth consulting with your doctor beforehand, since some expectant mothers who are prone to allergic reactions may experience unpleasant consequences, such as dizziness, low blood pressure, and skin rashes.

Contraindications to the use of sulfur ointment for demodicosis

The main contraindication to the use of this external medicine is a tendency to allergies. To avoid adverse effects, before starting treatment with the medicine, it is recommended to apply the liniment to a limited area of skin (for example, the back of the knee or elbow). It is necessary to observe the place of application for several hours. If there are no signs such as burning, rashes or itching, then you can safely use the medicine.

During pregnancy, as well as in early childhood, the liniment is used only after being prescribed by a doctor.

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Side effects of sulfur ointment for demodicosis

Side effects are relatively rare, however, patients should be aware of possible reactions. Treatment should be discontinued if the following symptoms occur:

• redness of the skin;
• itching and burning sensations;
• swelling, skin tension;
• allergic manifestations.

If you have found at least one of the listed symptoms, consult a doctor - he will prescribe another, no less effective medicine instead.

Overdose

Most often, the drug is used once a day shortly before bedtime, for 7-9 days. With longer treatment, signs of overdose may occur, which manifest themselves in the form of increased side effects, skin irritation, the appearance of bumps and deterioration in the appearance of the skin.

If you have to treat a large area of skin surface, it is recommended to use a less concentrated liniment.

If an allergic reaction develops, stop using the drug and consult a doctor immediately.

Interactions with other drugs

Sulfur is one of the chemical elements, therefore, when sulfur ointment is applied in combination with other external preparations, new compounds with unpredictable consequences may form.

It is known that fluorine and iron preparations enhance the penetration of sulfur into tissues. At the same time, barium, molybdenum, selenium and arsenic-based drugs reduce the effectiveness of the liniment.

Specific tests on the interaction of sulfur-based liniment with other topical agents have not been conducted.

Storage conditions

It is recommended to store the packaging with the preparation in a room with a temperature of no more than +25°C. The product must not be frozen, otherwise it will lose its medicinal properties.

Store the liniment in places that are difficult for children to reach.

Shelf life: up to 2 years.

It is not permissible to use sulfur ointment after the expiration date indicated on the medicine packaging.

Reviews of sulfur ointment for demodicosis

Reviews of treatment with sulfur ointment are quite contradictory. In the vast majority of cases, this is due to incorrect and illiterate use of the product, gross violations of dosage or incorrect diagnosis.

If the liniment is used strictly according to the indications and all the recommendations of the doctor who prescribed the drug are followed, then its positive effect is quite noticeable.

Sulfur ointment is a relatively inexpensive external remedy, and quite effective. Of course, there are some unpleasant moments in using liniment:

• the product may stain clothes and bedding;
• has a not very pleasant aroma.

However, all these shortcomings can be ignored, since this medicine still significantly improves the condition of the skin.

Sulfur ointment is safe for demodicosis, although it can sometimes cause dry skin. But if you use the drug according to the recommended dosages and application rules, the effect will not take long to come.