Why do I prescribe Sulfur Wash so much?
I frequently prescribe sulfur wash for patients. WHY? Do I love that stinky smell? Do I want you to smell stinky? Do I want you to spend extra money on sulfur wash? NO! I love sulfur wash because it works great for tons of skin conditions.
Sulfur is the only topical medication that has anti-yeast, antifungal, antibacterial, and keratolytic effects. Keratolytic means it breaks down dead and dry skin. No other single ingredient treats more dermatological conditions while being safe to use long term. It has safely been used in dermatology for over 75 years. Sulfur is very effective in treating acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, and tinea versicolor. This is why I prescribe it so much. Many of my patients have a combination of rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis, sulfur works well for both. Ever heard the phrase “jack of all trades and master of none”? Well, such is the case with sulfur. It works best as an adjuvant or maintenance medication and is often not enough for severe disease.
What kinds of products contain sulfur? And which one should I choose?
Sulfur wash – Actually, these prescription-strength washes usually contain sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur as their active ingredients. We usually recommend washing acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis prone areas once or twice a day. I usually recommend using it in the shower. Lather up, leave it on for a few minutes to work, then wash off after completing the rest of your bathing routine.
Sulfur Masque – These are available by many companies. We sell the ZO Sulfur Masque in the Spring Boutique and include it in our recommended regimens for acne and rosacea prone skin. Plus, it’s a cool blue color.
Selsun Blue – Simple, cheap, and effective when purchased OTC. Wash dandruff areas of the face and scalp a few times a week. If you have dandruff on your scalp, don’t be afraid to wash it daily. You will NOT dry out your scalp. The dryness and flakiness come from dandruff, NOT from washing too much. Wash more, not less. When using Selsun Blue to treat tinea versicolor, we recommend three times a week for three weeks then once a week as maintenance.
Just when I thought I couldn’t get enough of my lovely sulfur… Sulfur is often lurking at some of my favorite vacation destinations. Some of these have been made famous by the sulfur content in the water being used therapeutically. Greenbrier, Homestead, Bedford Springs, and Yellowstone are all famous for their sulfur springs. Warning, some of these are too hot for bathing.
See, I’m not the only one crazy about sulfur! How about you? Have you ever soaked in a sulfur spring? Do you use and love sulfur wash?
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