Evidence supporting the use of: Sulphur
For the health condition: Itching

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sulphur has a long-standing history in traditional medicine as a treatment for itching and various skin conditions. Its use dates back centuries, and it was a mainstay in 19th and early 20th-century dermatology for conditions such as scabies, eczema, and general pruritus (itching). Sulphur acts primarily as a keratolytic and mild antiseptic, which may help alleviate itching by removing the outer layer of dead skin and reducing microbial load. In traditional and folk medicine, sulphur ointments or baths have been commonly recommended for pruritic skin diseases.

While there is some scientific basis for its use—such as its effectiveness in treating scabies and seborrheic dermatitis, where itching is a major symptom—direct high-quality clinical evidence supporting sulphur's use solely for general itching (pruritus) is limited. Most modern guidelines now favor other treatments due to sulphur’s potential for skin irritation and the availability of better-tolerated alternatives. However, its inclusion in over-the-counter creams and soaps persists, reflecting its traditional value rather than robust scientific validation for itching alone. Overall, the evidence supporting sulphur for treating general itching is modest and primarily rooted in historical and traditional use rather than contemporary clinical trials.

More about Sulphur
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