Dandruff is a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis that occurs due to improper functioning of the sebaceous glands, metabolic disorders, or fungal damage to the dermis.
To treat this disease, complex therapy is used: specialized diets, medications, psycho-emotional adjustments. Sulfur ointment for dandruff is a local medicine that eliminates the external manifestations of the disease and associated symptoms. Its peculiarity is that it does not eliminate the root cause of the disease.
Why does dandruff appear?
Microscopic bacteria and fungi are constantly present on human skin. During normal functioning of the body, their reproduction and pathogenic activity are restrained by internal defense mechanisms. As a result, potentially dangerous microorganisms remain invisible to humans.
But the slightest disruption of a perfectly balanced system (which is often observed with an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, hormonal imbalances) leads to the formation of favorable conditions for the growth of pathogenic microflora.
When the above failures occur, the likelihood of seborrhea formation increases. We are talking about an unpleasant dermatological disease, accompanied by peeling of the epithelial layer of the epidermis. Often it signals a dysfunction of organs or a specific system in the patient’s body.
Several factors can trigger the appearance of dandruff:
- neglect of hygiene rules and basic recommendations for body care;
- dysfunction at the level of the system or individual organs (hormonal imbalances, problems with the performance of the digestive system, etc.);
- constant (episodic) stressful situations;
- nominal physical activity, short stay in fresh air.
The listed reasons significantly increase the likelihood of an unpleasant dermatological disease. There are several ways to get rid of seborrhea of the scalp. Below we will talk about the most effective and widely available medicine, with which you can eliminate the manifestations of a common illness.
Ointment for seborrhea (dandruff) on the head: advantages and disadvantages of this product
Our ancestors have used ointments since time immemorial; they were invariably present in the arsenal of herbalists, folk healers, and healers. Such preparations were prepared only from natural ingredients (oak bark, pine buds, tar, etc.). Their recipe was constantly improved, supplemented and adjusted.
Modern pharmaceuticals have in no way shaken the leading position of ointments, but have only secured their status as the most effective medicines for the treatment of various ailments. They are also used for seborrhea of the head, in particular sulfur ointment.
The main advantages of liniments:
- Therapeutic ointments have pronounced antifungal, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
- Wound healing effect. One of the causes of epithelial peeling is damage to the upper layer of the epidermis. The ointment has a viscous consistency, and after application to the surface of the problem area of the skin, it activates regeneration at the cellular level. This therapeutic effect is extremely important in the active treatment of seborrhea.
- Specialized liniments have softening properties.
Like any other medicine, ointments have a number of disadvantages. The main “disadvantage” of the dosage form in question is the impossibility of use for oily seborrhea. Patients also complain about the difficulty of washing off the oily composition from the head after application. In 90% of cases, these pharmaceuticals have a specific odor, which automatically implies the need to get rid of it.
But to get rid of mixed and dry dandruff, ointment is the best and safest solution.
Who should start using the ointment?
Anyone can use the ointment to eliminate dandruff. But before purchasing such a drug, it is important to first consult with your treating specialist. During the consultation, a specialist will conduct an external examination of the condition of the scalp, and also prescribe all the necessary diagnostics and tests. Such measures are important for conducting a comprehensive study and identifying the exact cause of dandruff. After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes effective treatment. Most often, it includes maintaining proper nutrition and taking medications.
If dandruff on the head occurs due to diseases of internal organs and systems, then treating such an ailment with local medications will be inappropriate. Such remedies will only help reduce the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms, but after the end of treatment with the ointment, everything will soon return to its previous place.
If dandruff on the head occurs as a result of allergies, nervous experiences, or damage to the body by bacteria, then treatment with local drugs will help achieve a good and lasting effect.
In this case, ointments can be used for both prevention and treatment purposes. When choosing a remedy, it is important to pay special attention to the individual characteristics of the patient, the condition of his skin and the type of lesion. For example, for dry seborrhea, the doctor prescribes sulfur ointment. It helps to effectively cope with fungal infection and accelerates the process of exfoliation of the stratum corneum of the epithelium.
But it is important to remember that not all ointments are allowed to be used by pregnant women and children. Before doing this, it is important to consult a doctor.
Description of the drug
Sulfur ointment is a popular and well-known medicine, which is an emulsion suspension with the main active ingredient sulfur. It has become widespread in modern pharmaceuticals due to its pronounced antiseptic and disinfecting properties. Liniment is used to treat many dermatological diseases. Most often, sulfur ointment is prescribed for dermatitis on the hands, seborrhea, psoriasis, fungal infections of the skin, scabies, etc.
Doctors emphasize that the use of this medication is justified in cases where seborrhea has reached an advanced stage, and other pharmaceuticals have proven powerless.
The active components of the ointment not only eliminate flaking, but at the same time can damage the structural integrity of the hair. After treatment with sulfur, it is important to provide hair with restorative therapy lasting at least 1 month. This will not only eliminate the danger of hair loss, but will also prevent premature thinning.
Pharmacological group and action
Sulfur ointment is a representative of a large pharmacological group of antiseptic and disinfectant drugs. The medication is characterized by targeted activity against pathogenic microorganisms. The active components of the drug act comprehensively, not selectively. The pharmacological product is applied externally to the surface of the problem area.
The composition has a drying effect, which means the ointment helps with atopic dermatitis. The components of the drug provide antifungal, antiparasitic and keratolytic effects.
Pharmacological action of the drug:
- After treating the problem area, sulfide compounds and pentotenic acid are formed on the surface of the skin.
- The resulting substances inhibit the vital activity of potentially dangerous microflora at the cellular level.
- Sulfides in combination with other liniment components help restore the integrity of the epidermis and its regeneration.
When used correctly and in doses, the ointment does not penetrate the bloodstream. Before starting treatment, you must consult your doctor, and do not exceed the prescribed frequency of application.
Release form and composition
Sulfur anti-dandruff ointment is prepared in the following proportions: 6 parts Vaseline base, 3 parts purified water, 1 part emulsifier and 3 parts active element (sulfur). Liniment has a light yellow color, a creamy homogeneous structure, and may contain small inclusions. The sulfur concentration in the original composition can vary in the range from 5 to 33%.
Sold in aluminum tubes with a volume of 30-50 g, as well as in tinted glass jars with a volume of 15-70 g. Comes with instructions for use. Secondary packaging is cardboard boxes.
The effectiveness of sulfur ointment
Sulfur ointment is a product included in a large pharmacological group of drugs with antiseptic and disinfectant effects. The drug is distinguished by its targeted effect in relation to the developing infection. The active ingredients in the drug have a complex effect. The ointment is usually applied to the affected areas of the head, externally.
The product contains drying components, which helps the ointment to actively fight atopic dermatitis. The substances in the medicine have antiparasitic, antifungal and keratolytic effects.
Instructions for use: how to treat seborrhea on the head
For seborrheic dermatitis, sulfur ointment is used only as part of complex therapy. You must first consult with a dermatologist, neurologist and trichologist. Their main task is to establish an accurate diagnosis of the problem and determine the cause of the disease. Regardless of the proposed treatment methods, a systematic approach involves eliminating external manifestations, eliminating the root cause (trigger) that provoked the pathogenic growth of the fungus, as well as a general strengthening of the immune system.
Effective methods of treating seborrhea of the head:
- Comprehensive improvement of the internal organs of the body.
- Activation of the functionality of the autonomic nervous system with the help of specialized medications.
- For severe seborrheic pathology, hormonal drugs are prescribed.
- Active consumption of vitamins A, D, E, B, as well as medicines based on zinc and sulfur.
- Hardening the body, physical activity, being in the fresh air, swimming in open water.
- Strict diet: eggs, fruits, fresh vegetables, fermented milk diet; refusal of spicy, salty, fatty, canned, red meat.
At first glance, it may seem that these measures have nothing to do with seborrhea on the head, but thanks to them, the general condition of the patient’s body improves.
Fat
Oily seborrhea is characterized by the formation of a large amount of dandruff, acute itching, and intense secretion of sebaceous secretions. In this case, medicated anti-dandruff shampoos are used (the composition is applied in a thin layer and rubbed into the epithelial layer with massage movements). The head is treated 3 times every 7 days.
The following solutions will help get rid of the manifestations of a dermatological disease:
- sulsen paste;
- salicylic acid;
- sodium thiosulfate.
A preliminary consultation with a trichologist is mandatory, since only a specialist can determine the exact etiology of the disease and prescribe an effective therapeutic regimen for oily skin.
Dry
This type of disease is characterized by the formation of dust-like dandruff on the scalp, localized not only on the head, but also on the neck, chest, and face. Advanced pathology can provoke partial or complete baldness.
To treat dry seborrhea of the head, the following drugs are used:
- sulfur ointment (only 10%);
- boric acid (as prescribed by a doctor);
- shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, tar, ketoconazole.
Sulfur not only promotes skin regeneration, but also has a detrimental effect on pathogenic microorganisms. In this case, the medicine should be used in combination with other medications. The duration of therapy is from 1 to 4 weeks, based on the severity of the pathological process and the doctor’s recommendations.
Features of the impact
There are many reasons for the appearance of dandruff in humans, but the main one is disruption of the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Such a lesion in the medical field is called seborrhea.
An incorrectly designed diet, regular stress and emotional stress, diseases of internal organs, damage to the digestive and endocrine systems - all this provokes the appearance of dandruff. If you do not begin timely treatment of the lesion, then the person risks losing some of his hair in the future.
To eliminate dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and other diseases of the scalp, which cause severe burning and white scales, special creams, shampoos, sprays, tablets, and lotions are used.
But the most common and effective remedy for combating dandruff among doctors continues to be ointment. Anti-dandruff ointment is a medicine of varying consistency. It may contain active ingredients and other medicinal substances, plant extracts, mineral components and vitamins. The formula of the drug helps not only to get rid of unpleasant symptoms and eliminate the process of skin peeling, but also to enrich skin cells with nutritional components, improve the condition of the immune system, restore metabolic processes and the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Depending on the active component in the base of the product, there are 4 groups of medicinal ointments against dandruff:
- The first group is products with tar, climbazole, ketoconazole, octopirox and sulfur. Their effect helps reduce the activity of pathogenic bacteria and fungi in the upper layers of the skin, leading to their gradual death.
- The second group is preparations with zinc pyrithione. Such substances quickly dissolve in the sebaceous glands and have an antifungal effect. They help improve skin condition, reduce flaking and relieve symptoms of dermatological lesions.
- Third group. The active ingredients most often used are salicylic acid. The effect of this product helps to quickly exfoliate dead skin cells and ensure active regeneration of new skin cells. Medicines from this group are prescribed to patients with seboria and psoriasis.
- The fourth group is medicinal products that contain resin of pine, juniper, cedar, as well as calendula and chamomile extract. The natural components in the composition have a calming effect, help eliminate the inflammatory process and restore the functioning of the sebaceous glands. Such components actively fight bacteria and fungi and also help stop their spread.
Local preparations are applied in a thin layer to the diseased area of the body, which helps protect the skin from the spread of the disease and provokes the death of the infection.
It should be noted that ointments to eliminate seborrheic dermatitis are simply applied, do not spread and help eliminate the infectious process. The drug is used sparingly, and its cost is affordable for everyone.
Use in childhood
According to the official instructions for use, children under 3 years of age are strictly prohibited from using the medication in question. For children under 5 years of age - only as directed. Most often, sulfur ointment is prescribed for dermatitis in children. The composition is evenly distributed over the problem area of the skin 1 to 2 times a day, not more often. In modern pediatrics, this pharmaceutical product is extremely rarely used due to the availability of modern means.
Side effects and special instructions
After treating the affected areas of the skin, allergic dermatitis may develop: itching, burning, redness, urticaria. The skin may become covered with a small rash and turn red. In such cases, it is necessary to remove the composition from the surface of the head using vegetable oil.
Important Notes:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor about the safety of using sulfur ointment.
- Long-term therapy is strictly contraindicated, since the active components of liniment accumulate in the body, which is fraught with associated complications.
After treatment, hair must be strengthened with microelements and nutrients, because... sulfur “dries” their structure.
Analogs
There are no complete analogues of sulfur ointment. Compositions consisting of two components are considered similar in their mechanism of action: sulfur-salicylic, sulfur-zinc, sulfur-tar. The listed ingredients enhance the effect of the main components.
In case of individual intolerance to sulfur, the following medications may be prescribed:
- "Benzyl benzoate";
- "Spergal";
- "Scabicar."
They are suitable for the treatment of head lice and scabies. Only the attending physician prescribes or cancels a substitute after an individual examination of the patient.
