Sulfur: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
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Family or group:
Minerals and Trace Elements
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
Sulfur is an ingredient used in medicine in over-the-counter topical products for treating acne, at concentrations from 3% to 10%. Although data on its efficacy is primarily anecdotal, creams and ointments containing 1% to 10% sulfur have been used for decades, often in combination with other agents like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Posologie
Topical application
Allergies ✪✪✪✪✪
A preliminary study indicates that a homeopathic nasal spray containing sulfur offers efficacy comparable to sodium cromoglicate nasal spray (an allergy medication) in relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis for 42 days.
Posologie
Nasal application
ENT Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
A preliminary study suggests that a homeopathic product containing sulfur relieves cold symptoms similarly to conventional remedies such as antihistamines, over a period of up to two weeks.
Posologie
Oral
Dermatoses ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary research shows that the topical application of 10% sulfur can effectively reduce the papules and pustules of rosacea, compared to oral tetracycline treatment.
Posologie
Topical application
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary research indicates that inhaling sulfur water shows no improvement in lung function in patients with obstructive pulmonary disease after 12 days of treatment.
Posologie
Inhalation
Detoxification ✪✪✪✪✪
Sulfur plays an important role in the detoxification of heavy metals through its compounds containing thiol groups, capable of binding these metals. This binding facilitates the excretion of metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, thereby reducing their toxicity and accumulation in the body.
Posologie
Oral
Properties
Dermatological Effect
Sulfur interacts directly with keratinocytes to transform into hydrogen sulfide through an unknown mechanism. This compound helps to break down keratin, leveraging its keratolytic action in the treatment of acne and seborrheic dermatitis.
Usages associés
Antibacterial
Sulfur shows activity against Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium involved in acne. Its antimicrobial effects might result from its conversion into pentathionic acid (Vitamin B5) by normal skin flora or keratinocytes.
Usages associés
Respiratory Effect
Inhaling sulfur water is commonly used for respiratory disorders. Clinical evidence suggests that it might inhibit oxidative respiratory processes, offering potential therapeutic benefits in treating respiratory conditions.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult:
Topical products containing sulfur at concentrations up to 10% have been used safely for periods of up to 8 weeks. There is insufficient reliable information available on the safety of oral sulfur use.
Precautions
Pregnant Women: use with caution
Topical products containing sulfur have been applied safely at concentrations up to 6%, for periods of up to 6 days. Avoid oral use of sulfur due to lack of reliable safety information.
Breastfeeding Women: use with caution
Topical products containing sulfur have been applied safely at concentrations up to 6%, for periods of up to 6 days. Avoid oral use of sulfur due to lack of reliable safety information.
