Evidence supporting the use of: Sulfur compounds (unspecified)
For the health condition: Boils
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sulfur compounds have a long history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of boils and other skin infections. Historically, sulfur has been applied topically in the form of ointments, creams, or powders to help dry out and heal boils. Its use dates back to ancient times, with references found in Greek, Roman, and Arabic medical texts. The rationale behind this traditional use is sulfur’s recognized keratolytic (skin-shedding) and mild antimicrobial properties, which were believed to help open and drain the boil and reduce bacterial load on the skin. Modern scientific validation is limited. A few studies have confirmed that sulfur has antibacterial activity against some skin pathogens and is effective for conditions such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis. However, high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating sulfur’s efficacy in treating boils (furuncles) are lacking. Most contemporary dermatological guidelines recommend other treatments (such as incision and drainage or antibiotics) as first-line therapy for boils. In summary, the use of sulfur compounds for boils is primarily supported by traditional practice rather than robust scientific evidence. It remains an over-the-counter remedy in some countries, but evidence supporting its efficacy for this specific indication is rated as low.
Other ingredients used for Boils
activated charcoalajoene
allspice
aloe vera
bayberry
black walnut
burdock
bасора
chamomile
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
garlic bulb
goldenseal
Japanese sophora
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
magnesium
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
plantain
purified silver
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
squawvine
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
mugwort
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
boxthorne
buckthorn
myrrh
siler root
amber
fern
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Aquilegia viridiflora
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Alliin
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Davilla rugosa
Dichrostachys glomerata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Garlic
Iris
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Poppy
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by Sulfur compounds (unspecified)
AcneArthritis
Athlete's Foot
Boils
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Hair Care (general)
Hemorrhoids
Impetigo
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Itching