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Overview: Sulfur is a mineral that is naturally found in the soil, water, and many foods. It is available in over-the-counter skin care products, including shampoos, soaps, and ointments. These products are commonly used for acne and dandruff. Common side effects include skin redness, irritation, dryness, and peeling. Before using sulfur, it may be helpful to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is sulfur used for?

Sulfur products, such as liquids, soaps, creams, and ointments, are commonly applied to the skin to help with acne. Sulfur shampoo is used to reduce flaking and itching associated with dandruff.

These uses may vary depending on the specific sulfur product.

Sulfur may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does sulfur work (mechanism of action)?

Sulfur is a mineral that is found in the soil, water, and many foods. When applied to the skin, it acts as an antioxidant and can help reduce swelling (inflammation). It also seems to slow down the growth of skin cells. Sulfur seems to help with the treatment and prevention of acne. It can also help reduce dandruff-related peeling and itching.

Sulfur shampoo should not be confused with shampoos that contain selenium sulfide. Although selenium sulfide also contains sulfur, it may be more effective than sulfur for dandruff and for a skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Speak with your health care provider if you are unsure which product to use.

Sulfur was once popular for other uses as well, such as scalp ringworm or head lice. However, it does not work as well as other available treatment options and is not usually recommended for these uses. If you are concerned that you have a fungal infection or head lice, speak with your health care provider about your treatment options.

How is sulfur supplied (dosage forms)?

Sulfur is available over the counter and as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms. Ask your health care provider if you are not sure which product to use or how they compare.

How should I store sulfur?

Storage requirements may vary by product. Most sulfur products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. Check the product label for specific instructions on how to store your product.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sulfur?

The most common side effects of topical sulfur are dryness, peeling, redness, or irritated skin. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of sulfur that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sulfur?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sulfur are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sulfur may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using sulfur and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sulfur?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use sulfur.

  • Sulfur
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sulfur products they stock.

What should I know about sulfur before using it?

Sulfur is available over the counter as a shampoo or in products that are applied to the skin, such as soaps, lotions, ointments, and liquids. Each product may be used in very different ways. Some topical products should be left on the skin after use, while others may need to be washed off. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Although some products may be marketed as sulfur dietary supplements that are taken by mouth, these usually contain another ingredient called methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). MSM is a chemical that contains sulfur, but it is not clear if taking MSM will increase sulfur levels in your body.

Keep sulfur products out of the reach of children. Topical sulfur products are meant to be applied only to the skin, hair, and scalp. Keep sulfur away from your mouth and eyes. If you get sulfur in your eyes, wash them right away with water.

Only apply sulfur to the affected area of the skin or scalp. Do not apply it to broken or damaged skin.

Some people may have redness, dryness, or irritation when using topical sulfur products. To help reduce this risk, use sulfur just once daily when you are first starting out. If you tolerate it well, you may use it more often as directed on the product label. If you have peeling or irritation, use sulfur less often or stop using it completely, and speak to a health care provider.

If your condition gets worse or does not get better after using sulfur regularly, speak to a health care provider about your other treatment options.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sulfur?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if sulfur is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Sensitive Skin. Topical sulfur can cause skin irritation and skin reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, test the sulfur product by applying it to a small area of your skin once daily for a few days. If your skin does not become dry or irritated, you may use it as directed on the product label. Speak with your health care provider if you have concerns.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sulfur may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using sulfur, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sulfur could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sulfur passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does sulfur interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between sulfur and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sulfur.

Does sulfur interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are applying a medicine to the skin for acne, such as adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, or tretinoin.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with sulfur. Always check with your health care provider.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sulfur?

If you or someone else has used too much sulfur, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sulfur?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.