Sulfur ointment is a well-known and widespread medicine in pharmacology. We are talking about a universal drug that not only relieves inflammation, but also heals, disinfects and treats the skin.
The use of sulfur ointment is an affordable, safe and effective way to get rid of a variety of dermatological diseases. It’s paradoxical, but few of our compatriots know how to properly use this effective remedy for a particular problem. We will devote today’s article to this pressing issue.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
When the drug is used externally, its active ingredient ( sulfur ), applied to the skin, interacts with organic substances contained in the subcutaneous tissue, which leads to the formation of pentathionic acid and sulfides , which have antiparasitic and antimicrobial effectiveness, from which sulfur ointment helps with various skin diseases. Sulfides also exhibit keratoplastic properties.
External use of sulfur ointment practically does not lead to the absorption of its ingredients (including sulfur and petroleum jelly ) into the human blood supply.
Pharmacology
The ointment exerts its antimicrobial and antiparasitic effect upon contact with the skin. It interacts with substances of organic origin, resulting in the formation of sulfides and pentathionic acid. They make sulfur ointment a natural antiseptic.
When in contact with the skin, the components of sulfur ointment are not absorbed into the blood, which means they do not have a systemic effect on the body: they do not put a strain on the liver, do not require filtration by the kidneys, and do not affect the functioning of other internal organs.
Sulfur ointment, instructions for use
The healing agent Sulfur Ointment simple instructions for use allow it to be used exclusively externally, applying it 2-3 times every 24 hours to skin areas affected by a particular disease (preliminarily cleansed).
In the case of complex treatment of scabies, the therapeutic regimen and rules of personal hygiene for the patient are established by the doctor on an individual basis. Often the drug is indicated for use without rinsing off throughout the entire recommended 5 days of therapy.
Sulfur ointment for lichen is also prescribed in parallel with other medications. Depending on the lichen, this may be an iodine solution , alcohol, corticosteroids , antifungal external preparations and other medications.
The use of Sulfur Ointment for acne requires applying it in a thick layer to problem areas of the skin. Sulfur ointment for acne is used in conjunction with diet therapy , taking multivitamins or other medications prescribed by a dermatologist.
Sulfur ointment for demodicosis is prescribed to get rid of demodex , a microscopic mite that parasitizes human hair follicles, usually localized on the head and eyelids. Typically, a thick layer of the drug is applied to the affected skin areas in the evening and left overnight. During therapy, due to severe peeling of the skin and the death of parasites, the patient should regularly change clothes and bedding. Reviews for demodicosis indicate that the treatment of this disease is long-term, labor-intensive and requires a comprehensive approach and the integrated use of systemic and local drugs.
The duration of one treatment course is usually limited to five days with a possible repetition after a few days.
Analogs
Analogs of sulfur ointment are also available to a wide range of consumers. The most popular medications include:
- Acigerpin is an antiviral drug widely used for the treatment of lichen and herpes simplex.
- Virolex is an antiviral agent. Often prescribed for the treatment of infectious skin lesions.
- Acyclovir is one of the best substitutes for sulfur ointment. The active components inhibit the activity of viral cells at the DNA level. The medication effectively eliminates painful symptoms.
A substitute or analogue is prescribed only by the attending physician, based on the characteristics of the pathology and the general condition of the patient. Self-medication can aggravate the disease process and provoke its transition to the chronic stage.
Reviews of Sulfur ointment
For mild skin diseases, reviews of simple sulfur ointment, when used exclusively for indications, are usually positive. Reviews of sulfur ointment for acne on the face , various lichen , seborrhea , scabies and even psoriasis indicate a fairly rapid positive effect of its use, but, unfortunately, often short-lived. This is also confirmed by reviews of sulfur ointment for age spots and demodicosis . Most likely, this is due to the penetration of the disease present in the patient deeper than the skin, from which sulfur ointment does not always help and the treatment process requires the addition of other medicinal drugs used to treat a particular painful condition.
Contraindications
The main contraindication to the use of sulfur ointment is individual intolerance to the active substance. If the skin reacts sharply with allergic rashes to contact with sulfur, treatment with the ointment will have to be canceled and another remedy used.
In addition, with extensive damage to the body by fungal or bacterial infections, there is a high risk of getting sulfur poisoning - if more than 30% of the skin is covered with the drug. If scabies spreads throughout the body, use less dangerous sprays.
If the patient has not previously had experience with sulfur ointment treatment, it is recommended to first test it on the wrist by applying a small amount of the product. If redness or burning occurs, you will have to stop using sulfur ointment.
Sulfur ointment price, where to buy
Traditionally, the cost of this treatment is minimal and available to absolutely all categories of the population.
In Russia, regardless of the region and manufacturer, the drug costs the same as it costs in the capital. So, on average, you can buy 25 grams of this product in Moscow for 40 rubles.
The price of Sulfur ointment in Ukraine is on average 10 hryvnia per 25 grams.
- Online pharmacies in RussiaRussia
- Online pharmacies in UkraineUkraine
Pharmacy Dialogue
- Simple sulfur ointment (25g jar) Tverskaya FF
42 rub. order - Simple sulfur ointment (25g jar) Tula FF
41 rub. order
- Simple sulfur ointment (tube 30g) Tverskaya FF
40 rub. order
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Pharmacy24
- Sulfur ointment 40 g PRAT "Fitofarm", Ukraine
8 UAH. order - Sulfur ointment 33% 50 g PrAT FF "Viola", Ukraine
13 UAH order
- Sulfur ointment 33% 25 g PrAT FF "Viola", Ukraine
9 UAH order
General information
An ointment based on sulfur is widely used for various diseases of the dermis. The simple composition makes the ointment accessible to different segments of the population, because prices per jar start at only 28 rubles.
The drug is used not only to relieve unpleasant symptoms, but also as the main medicine that can eliminate the cause of the disease. The main component, which is sulfur in its pure form, better known as a chemical element, is supplemented by the following auxiliary substances:
- petrolatum;
- water;
- emulsifier.
In the pharmacy you can find sulfur ointment packaged in glass jars with a plastic lid or in aluminum tubes.
What is black ointment?
Black salve refers to a group of natural corrosives that are sometimes called escharotics. The ointment is predominantly sold online under the brand name “Camsema”. This drug treats basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. These types of skin cancer typically appear on the patient's face, causing growths and tumors to appear on the eyes, nose, lips and scalp.
Some patients use black ointment to treat cervical dysplasia, a precancerous condition diagnosed through a Pap smear. It is believed that the disease may most often be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The website Science-Based Medicine published a report in which proponents of black balm claim that this type of treatment can “selectively kill abnormal cells in the cervix without affecting healthy ones.” However, it is worth noting that sufficient evidence on this issue was not presented.
In addition to treating cancer, black ointment is used to combat other benign skin growths (warts) and even in some cases internal tumors. Black balm is usually applied in two ways:
- Application to the surface of the skin. This way the ointment can dry out and destroy the neoplasm or tumor.
- Application to internal tumor. There is a possibility that the ingredients in the product are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, helping to eliminate toxins that cause tumor formation.
Reviews
Kristina, 34 years old, Tobolsk
I constantly use simple sulfur ointment because I have suffered from acne since I was 14 years old. Adolescence is long gone, but the acne remains. Despite regular exercise and a healthy diet, these “ugly remains” continue to spoil the face. I save myself only with sulfur ointment, which I alternate with zinc and alcohol. Often 1 course is enough for 2-3 months. I'm happy with the result, but I would like to be completely cured of the rash.
Valeria, 44 years old, Evpatoria
I’ve been living in Crimea for 25 years, but because of psoriasis I can’t fully and relaxingly swim in the sea. And all because there are 2 large spots on the body that are difficult not to replace. I am constantly looking for medications that will at least temporarily help me get rid of this awkward problem. And sulfur ointment, in my case, is one of the best means with which you can get rid of not only unpleasant itching, but also reduce the size of the formations themselves. It is a pity that the effect does not last longer than 1 month, and long-term treatment with this medication is contraindicated.
Sulfur ointment (review) from 20 rubles
Overall
4.7
- Efficiency
- Price
- Safety
- Availability
Pros
- Effective for inflamed acne
- Complex treatment of lichen
- Price
- Antibacterial effect
Cons
- Smell
- Contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women
Side effects and warnings
Although black ointment is believed to have anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties, some studies have reported serious side effects of this ointment. These include:
- Skin burn, sometimes severe
- Open wounds, sometimes up to 2 cm wide
- Blackening or discoloration of skin, scars
- Spread of cancer cells and tumors, sometimes fatal
One study published in 2014 in the journal Dermatology Practical & Conceptual involved a woman diagnosed with melanoma on her ankle. She refused surgery recommended by her doctor in favor of black ointment purchased online. The patient applied a bandage with ointment to the melanoma lesion for 24 hours.
The woman believed that the black ointment would naturally cure skin cancer, but the study authors report that five years later she returned to the doctor. But the cancer has already metastasized to the lymph nodes, then to the lungs, liver, scalp and other tissues and muscles. As the patient reported, the drug not only did not stop the development of the disease, but also caused the formation of a wound, which led to the development of inflammation, the formation of ulcers and pain. It took about 8 weeks for the wound to heal. In addition, the wound led to the formation of several lumps that had to be removed surgically.
Another case was described in 2014 in the Medical Journal of Australia. The authors report on an Australian man who used sanguinaria black ointment to treat a growth that he believed might be cancerous. As a result, a deep wound about 2 cm in diameter was formed on the scalp.
