Dandruff is a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis that occurs due to improper functioning of the sebaceous glands, metabolic disorders, or fungal damage to the dermis.
To treat this disease, complex therapy is used: specialized diets, medications, psycho-emotional adjustments. Sulfur ointment for dandruff is a local medicine that eliminates the external manifestations of the disease and associated symptoms. Its peculiarity is that it does not eliminate the root cause of the disease.
Why does dandruff appear?
Microscopic bacteria and fungi are constantly present on human skin. During normal functioning of the body, their reproduction and pathogenic activity are restrained by internal defense mechanisms. As a result, potentially dangerous microorganisms remain invisible to humans.
But the slightest disruption of a perfectly balanced system (which is often observed with an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, hormonal imbalances) leads to the formation of favorable conditions for the growth of pathogenic microflora.
When the above failures occur, the likelihood of seborrhea formation increases. We are talking about an unpleasant dermatological disease, accompanied by peeling of the epithelial layer of the epidermis. Often it signals a dysfunction of organs or a specific system in the patient’s body.
Several factors can trigger the appearance of dandruff:
- neglect of hygiene rules and basic recommendations for body care;
- dysfunction at the level of the system or individual organs (hormonal imbalances, problems with the performance of the digestive system, etc.);
- constant (episodic) stressful situations;
- nominal physical activity, short stay in fresh air.
The listed reasons significantly increase the likelihood of an unpleasant dermatological disease. There are several ways to get rid of seborrhea of the scalp. Below we will talk about the most effective and widely available medicine, with which you can eliminate the manifestations of a common illness.
Ointment for seborrhea (dandruff) on the head: advantages and disadvantages of this product
Our ancestors have used ointments since time immemorial; they were invariably present in the arsenal of herbalists, folk healers, and healers. Such preparations were prepared only from natural ingredients (oak bark, pine buds, tar, etc.). Their recipe was constantly improved, supplemented and adjusted.
Modern pharmaceuticals have in no way shaken the leading position of ointments, but have only secured their status as the most effective medicines for the treatment of various ailments. They are also used for seborrhea of the head, in particular sulfur ointment.
The main advantages of liniments:
- Therapeutic ointments have pronounced antifungal, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
- Wound healing effect. One of the causes of epithelial peeling is damage to the upper layer of the epidermis. The ointment has a viscous consistency, and after application to the surface of the problem area of the skin, it activates regeneration at the cellular level. This therapeutic effect is extremely important in the active treatment of seborrhea.
- Specialized liniments have softening properties.
Like any other medicine, ointments have a number of disadvantages. The main “disadvantage” of the dosage form in question is the impossibility of use for oily seborrhea. Patients also complain about the difficulty of washing off the oily composition from the head after application. In 90% of cases, these pharmaceuticals have a specific odor, which automatically implies the need to get rid of it.
But to get rid of mixed and dry dandruff, ointment is the best and safest solution.
Causes
There are many reasons that provoke the detachment of particles of the scalp, let’s consider the most common:
- Metabolic disorder is the main cause of dandruff; because of this pathology, the body is more vulnerable to the action of pathogenic factors.
- Hormonal imbalances are a fairly common cause of seborrhea in women.
- Various diseases - for example, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract or endocrine system, bronchopulmonary diseases, neurological disorders, low immunity;
- Hereditary predisposition is a cause that cannot be eliminated.
- Disturbed functioning of the sebaceous glands.
- Poor nutrition, hypovitaminosis.
- Overstrain of a mental or physiological nature.
- A fungus caused by Pityrosporum Ovale - yeast-like fungi, elements of the healthy microflora of the scalp.
- External negative effects on the scalp - abuse of hair dryers, curling irons, frequent coloring;
- Ignoring a hat in winter or wearing a warm headdress in the heat;
- Poor scalp hygiene. However, this reason occurs only in advanced cases when a person refuses to wash his hair at all.
Description of the drug
Sulfur ointment is a popular and well-known medicine, which is an emulsion suspension with the main active ingredient sulfur. It has become widespread in modern pharmaceuticals due to its pronounced antiseptic and disinfecting properties. Liniment is used to treat many dermatological diseases. Most often, sulfur ointment is prescribed for dermatitis on the hands, seborrhea, psoriasis, fungal infections of the skin, scabies, etc.
Doctors emphasize that the use of this medication is justified in cases where seborrhea has reached an advanced stage, and other pharmaceuticals have proven powerless.
The active components of the ointment not only eliminate flaking, but at the same time can damage the structural integrity of the hair. After treatment with sulfur, it is important to provide hair with restorative therapy lasting at least 1 month. This will not only eliminate the danger of hair loss, but will also prevent premature thinning.
Pharmacological group and action
Sulfur ointment is a representative of a large pharmacological group of antiseptic and disinfectant drugs. The medication is characterized by targeted activity against pathogenic microorganisms. The active components of the drug act comprehensively, not selectively. The pharmacological product is applied externally to the surface of the problem area.
The composition has a drying effect, which means the ointment helps with atopic dermatitis. The components of the drug provide antifungal, antiparasitic and keratolytic effects.
Pharmacological action of the drug:
- After treating the problem area, sulfide compounds and pentotenic acid are formed on the surface of the skin.
- The resulting substances inhibit the vital activity of potentially dangerous microflora at the cellular level.
- Sulfides in combination with other liniment components help restore the integrity of the epidermis and its regeneration.
When used correctly and in doses, the ointment does not penetrate the bloodstream. Before starting treatment, you must consult your doctor, and do not exceed the prescribed frequency of application.
Release form and composition
Sulfur anti-dandruff ointment is prepared in the following proportions: 6 parts Vaseline base, 3 parts purified water, 1 part emulsifier and 3 parts active element (sulfur). Liniment has a light yellow color, a creamy homogeneous structure, and may contain small inclusions. The sulfur concentration in the original composition can vary in the range from 5 to 33%.
Sold in aluminum tubes with a volume of 30-50 g, as well as in tinted glass jars with a volume of 15-70 g. Comes with instructions for use. Secondary packaging is cardboard boxes.
Reviews
Snezhana, 42 years old, Tyrnyauz
I use sulfur ointment everywhere. It's a little itchy - I apply it. It helps and costs a penny.
Ivana, 34 years old, Dzerzhinsk, treated her daughter’s lichen with sulfur ointment. The doctor prescribed treatment with iodine and sulfur ointment. He said that these simple remedies for lichen are time-tested. And that cheap drugs help no worse than expensive ones. Within a week, the lichen was gone.
Mikhail, 50 years old, Sapozhok village I read on the forums that sulfur ointment helps against fungus on the nail. I tried it. I applied it under the bandage at night and washed it off in the morning so it didn’t stink. After a week I noticed slight improvements. After two weeks it was already noticeably better. In general, I cured it, cheaply and cheerfully.
Artem Rodionovich, Kuznetsk Sulfur ointment against fungus helps at the onset of the disease. If the fungus is old, it will not help.
Instructions for use: how to treat seborrhea on the head
For seborrheic dermatitis, sulfur ointment is used only as part of complex therapy. You must first consult with a dermatologist, neurologist and trichologist. Their main task is to establish an accurate diagnosis of the problem and determine the cause of the disease. Regardless of the proposed treatment methods, a systematic approach involves eliminating external manifestations, eliminating the root cause (trigger) that provoked the pathogenic growth of the fungus, as well as a general strengthening of the immune system.
Effective methods of treating seborrhea of the head:
- Comprehensive improvement of the internal organs of the body.
- Activation of the functionality of the autonomic nervous system with the help of specialized medications.
- For severe seborrheic pathology, hormonal drugs are prescribed.
- Active consumption of vitamins A, D, E, B, as well as medicines based on zinc and sulfur.
- Hardening the body, physical activity, being in the fresh air, swimming in open water.
- Strict diet: eggs, fruits, fresh vegetables, fermented milk diet; refusal of spicy, salty, fatty, canned, red meat.
At first glance, it may seem that these measures have nothing to do with seborrhea on the head, but thanks to them, the general condition of the patient’s body improves.
Fat
Oily seborrhea is characterized by the formation of a large amount of dandruff, acute itching, and intense secretion of sebaceous secretions. In this case, medicated anti-dandruff shampoos are used (the composition is applied in a thin layer and rubbed into the epithelial layer with massage movements). The head is treated 3 times every 7 days.
The following solutions will help get rid of the manifestations of a dermatological disease:
- sulsen paste;
- salicylic acid;
- sodium thiosulfate.
A preliminary consultation with a trichologist is mandatory, since only a specialist can determine the exact etiology of the disease and prescribe an effective therapeutic regimen for oily skin.
Dry
This type of disease is characterized by the formation of dust-like dandruff on the scalp, localized not only on the head, but also on the neck, chest, and face. Advanced pathology can provoke partial or complete baldness.
To treat dry seborrhea of the head, the following drugs are used:
- sulfur ointment (only 10%);
- boric acid (as prescribed by a doctor);
- shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, tar, ketoconazole.
Sulfur not only promotes skin regeneration, but also has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. In this case, the medicine should be used in combination with other medications. The duration of therapy is from 1 to 4 weeks, based on the severity of the pathological process and the doctor’s recommendations.
What not to do?
Absolutely forbidden:
- Scratch your head. Itchy dandruff can be very uncomfortable, but scratching and scratching your skin will make the problem worse. Through the slightest damage, infections can easily penetrate, which can lead to the formation of pustules;
- Use alcohol-based products, as they greatly dry out the skin;
- Dye your hair and use other chemical hair products;
- Use metal combs; the teeth of such a comb can damage the scalp and cause more dandruff to appear.
- Keep the use of hair dryers and curling irons to a minimum.
Use in childhood
According to the official instructions for use, children under 3 years of age are strictly prohibited from using the medication in question. For children under 5 years of age - only as directed. Most often, sulfur ointment is prescribed for dermatitis in children. The composition is evenly distributed over the problem area of the skin 1 to 2 times a day, not more often. In modern pediatrics, this pharmaceutical product is extremely rarely used due to the availability of modern means.
Sulfur ointment for parasitic mites: scabies
Scabies is a parasitic disease in which a microscopic insect, a mite,
. The main unpleasant symptom of the disease is severe itching, which accompanies the appearance of parasites. In addition to itching, a small pustular rash appears.
Scabies is transmitted through close contact. For infection with this parasite, prolonged contact of “body to body”
. Therefore, many modern doctors consider scabies a sexually transmitted infection.
Treating scabies with sulfur ointment was popular fifty years ago. Sulfur treatment is still prescribed in post-Soviet countries. European medicine uses other, more aggressive means.
In order to remove ticks with sulfur ointment, in the evening before bed it is applied to the entire surface of the body. In children, the ointment is even rubbed into the face and under the hair. .
After sulfur ointment, you should not wash for 24 hours. Afterwards, if necessary, you can take a shower, dry the skin and reapply the ointment.
The choice of concentration of sulfur ointment for scabies is determined by age. For children it is recommended to use a 10% composition
, for adults –
20% sulfur ointment
.
The duration of treatment is a minimum of 3 days – a maximum of 7-8 days. After a week, the person is considered cured .
Side effects and special instructions
After treating the affected areas of the skin, allergic dermatitis may develop: itching, burning, redness, urticaria. The skin may become covered with a small rash and turn red. In such cases, it is necessary to remove the composition from the surface of the head using vegetable oil.
Important Notes:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor about the safety of using sulfur ointment.
- Long-term therapy is strictly contraindicated, since the active components of liniment accumulate in the body, which is fraught with associated complications.
After treatment, hair must be strengthened with microelements and nutrients, because... sulfur “dries” their structure.
Analogs
There are no complete analogues of sulfur ointment. Compositions consisting of two components are considered similar in their mechanism of action: sulfur-salicylic, sulfur-zinc, sulfur-tar. The listed ingredients enhance the effect of the main components.
In case of individual intolerance to sulfur, the following medications may be prescribed:
- "Benzyl benzoate";
- "Spergal";
- "Scabicar."
They are suitable for the treatment of head lice and scabies. Only the attending physician prescribes or cancels a substitute after an individual examination of the patient.
