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
More about Itching

Other ingredients used for Itching

Aloe vera
myrobalan
betel
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
Japanese sophora
licorice root
marshmallow
Peppermint
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
vitamin D
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
chickweed
typhonium
ferula assafoetida
yarrow
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
camphor oil
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agrimony
Anamu
Abrus
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alsonia scholaris
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
benzyl alcohol
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Black Nightshade
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coconut oil
Colloid
Cinquefoil
Cocoa Butter
Carry Me Seed
Cornflower
Cajuput
Catechu
Cedar
Calamus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castor Oil
Carthamus
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Dendramine
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Golden Shower Tree
Homalomena
Houttuynia
Honey loquat syrup
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Indian Nightshade
Jewelweed
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Lichen
Lophira lanceolata
Lycopodium
Labrador Tea
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Lysimachia
Marsh Tea
Mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Oak
Onosma bracteatum
Pagoda Tree
Pulsatilla
Pepper Bark Tree
Pellitory
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygonum
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rhus glabra
Sabadilla
Spilanthes
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Sanguisorba
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Soapberry
Sandalwood
Scabrous Gentian
Sapindus mukorossi
Sumac
Sulfur
Sweet Bay
Storax
Sandy Everlasting
Tannins
Terpinen-4-ol
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Vervain
Wrightia tinctoria
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Winter Savory

Products containing Sulphur

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.