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

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Synopsis

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

Sulphur has a long history of use as a topical treatment for lice infestations, primarily supported by traditional and historical practices rather than robust modern scientific evidence. In various traditional medical systems, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, sulphur ointments and soaps were commonly recommended for the treatment of lice (pediculosis). The rationale behind this use is that sulphur possesses keratolytic and mild antiparasitic properties, which may help to suffocate or repel lice when applied to the scalp or skin. However, the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of sulphur against lice is limited. Most contemporary clinical guidelines and studies do not include sulphur as a recommended or first-line treatment for lice. Instead, other agents such as permethrin, malathion, and ivermectin are preferred due to their proven effectiveness and safety profiles. Occasional small-scale or anecdotal reports suggest some benefit of sulphur-based preparations, but these are neither extensive nor well-controlled. In summary, the use of sulphur for lice is primarily justified by traditional and historical use, with scientific evidence remaining weak or inconclusive. Modern treatments should be preferred, but sulphur remains a part of the historical pharmacopeia for lice management.

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Products containing Sulphur

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