Sensitivity to facial cleansers is often associated with rosacea, a skin condition that causes chronic redness, irritation and visible blood vessels in your cheeks, nose and forehead. Used as a topical treatment in soaps, creams, powders or sulfur baths, sulfur may ease the inflammation and itching of some skin disorders. As one of the most abundant minerals in the human body, sulfur participates in the formation of proteins and contributes to new tissue growth. However, the ingredients in some brands of sulfur soap may worsen the inflammation and irritation of rosacea. Clinical evidence has not confirmed that over-the-counter sulfur soaps can improve rosacea symptoms.
Significance
Rosacea causes chronic facial inflammation, itchiness and heightened skin sensitivity. In some cases, acne-like lesions may form across your nose and cheeks. Oral or topical antibiotics are often prescribed for rosacea, which may be triggered by a response to common skin bacteria. As a complement to topical antibiotic therapy, your dermatologist may prescribe a sulfur-based cream. Clinical research has not confirmed that sulfur is effective for rosacea treatment when applied in soap. Before using sulfur soap to treat rosacea symptoms, consult your dermatologist about potential side effects or interactions with other topical rosacea treatments.
Clinical Evidence
In a study published in the June 2005 issue of the journal "Cutis," H.M. Torok and colleagues found that using a sulfur cream was more effective at reducing the itchy lesions and inflammation of rosacea than an antibiotic cream containing metronidazole. For 12 weeks, study participants used either an antibiotic cream containing metronidazole or a sulfur-based cream containing 10 percent sulfacetamide, 5 percent sulfur and sunscreen. Participants who used the sulfur cream showed an 80 percent greater reduction of redness and lesions than participants who used the topical antibiotic. Recent clinical studies have not explored the effects of sulfur soap on rosacea symptoms.
Sulfur Products
Topical sulfur is available in a variety of formulations, including bar soaps, creams, ointments, shampoos and lotions. Sulfur soaps with salicylic acid, which treat adult acne and dandruff by sloughing off layers of dead skin, may cause redness, itching or peeling. The National Rosacea Society cautions that although rosacea may cause acne-like pimples, some products used to treat regular acne may worsen rosacea symptoms. People with rosacea may have either dry or oily skin, the National Rosacea Society notes, and no single treatment is universally effective at relieving rosacea. Talk with a dermatologist to find cleansing products that are formulated for your skin type.
Cleansing Recommendations
Abrasive cleansers or harsh cleaning methods can increase redness if you have rosacea. To prevent irritation, apply a mild cleanser to your face with your fingertips or a soft cleansing pad and gently work the lather into your skin. Rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. Rubbing your skin vigorously or using hot or cold water may trigger a rosacea flare-up. Applying a light moisturizer recommended by your dermatologist may minimize flaking and irritation if you have dry skin. Consult a dermatologist before using sulfur soap or other nonprescription cleansers for rosacea.
References
- Rosacea.org; National Rosacea Society; Frequently Asked Questions; M. Dahl, M.D.
- MayoClinic.com; Sulfur (Topical Route); Nov. 1, 2010
- "Cutis"; Combination Sodium Sulfacetamide 10% and Sulfur 5% Cream with Sunscreens Versus Metronidazole 0.75% Cream for Rosacea; H.M. Torok, et al.; June 2005
- Drugs.com; Salicylic Acid/Sulfur Soap; Aug. 3, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Sulfur; S.D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; May 5, 2009
