Demodicosis is a skin disease caused by the worm-like microscopic parasitic mite Demodex, or acne gland. It settles in hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and skin of the eyelid and is an opportunistic pathogen. That is, it causes disease when favorable conditions are created for its development and reproduction.
Demodicosis is a common disease that affects people of different races and age groups. Women aged 35-40 years and those with oily skin are more susceptible to it. Demodicosis is often confused with acne and other skin diseases.
Indications for the use of sulfur ointment for demodicosis
Sulfur ointment is prescribed for the classic course of demodicosis - a disease that is accompanied by damage to the skin by a microscopic parasitic mite - iron mite. This parasite settles in places of increased sweating, inside the sebaceous ducts and hair follicles.
Demodicosis can be complicated by a number of concomitant pathologies - this could be acne, dermatitis or rosacea, as well as eye lesions - blepharitis or conjunctivitis.
The active activity of the tick can provoke serious changes in the structure of the epidermal tissue. During the disease, the patient may experience rashes, acne, small ulcers, clear areas of inflammation, nodules that can cover the entire surface of the face. The skin begins to become covered with scales, and an increase in the function of the sebaceous glands is observed. The patient may complain of itching, shine and an unpleasant aroma of the skin.
To prevent the active spread of the tick to other parts of the body, treatment should be carried out as early as possible.
What is demodex?
Demodex is a disease that is preceded by the proliferation of subcutaneous mites. At the same time, demodex can be detected in the subcutaneous layer of any person.
It is noteworthy that a small amount of ticks does not harm the health of children and adults at all.
Meanwhile, such indicators of human life as a decrease in immunity, primary skin diseases (fungal diseases and infections), and poor nutrition in every possible way contribute to the active reproduction of the parasite.
As a result, the patient is diagnosed with such an unpleasant disease as demodex.
Treatment of patients for subcutaneous mites is carried out in several stages. At the same time, at different therapeutic stages it is customary to use both general and local agents. We are talking about anthelmintic drugs and ointments for demodex.
Completely getting rid of subcutaneous mites is not only realistic, but extremely necessary, because this parasitic disease will never go away on its own.
Pharmacodynamics
Liniment has a softening and drying effect, protects, and in large doses irritates the skin.
The drug is prescribed for external treatment of the disease. When distributed on the skin, a reaction of the active component with the components of the epidermal layer and with the tissues of parasites is observed, which determines the bactericidal and antiparasitic effect of the drug.
Sulfur ointment with a 10% concentration of the active substance helps to enhance the formation of outer cells, and over the course of several days restores tissue after superficial wounds and defects. The product has a keratoplastic effect, has a softening effect on the skin, ensuring rapid neutralization of parasites and bacteria. Successfully eliminates itching.
Highly concentrated liniment with a sulfur content of 33% makes the epidermal layer looser and exfoliates dead skin particles. Therefore, it is more suitable for the treatment of diseases accompanied by keratinization of the skin (acne, seborrheic dermatitis). The drug with a 33% concentration has an irritating effect on skin receptors, which accelerates superficial blood flow, stimulating local metabolic processes.
Sulfur dries the tissue a little, creating a feeling of tightness and exfoliation of the surface layer, so it is recommended to strictly adhere to the prescribed dosage of the drug.
Due to the fact that sulfur-based liniment is a means of external local use, the pharmacokinetics of the drug is not presented.
Demodex symptoms
At the first signs of illness, you should sound the alarm. Interestingly, we are talking about the simplest symptoms, which, in fact, are familiar to most people who have enlarged pores and oily skin.
At the same time, such a tick does not pose any danger to any healthy person. But when the body is weakened due to illnesses suffered recently or due to the development of chronic diseases, there is a danger of developing the disease - demodex.
It turns out that by and large, everyone can avoid the bumps on the scalp and face, which are very itchy, inflamed and bring a lot of unpleasant sensations, you just need to effectively strengthen the immune system, and always remember about body hygiene.
NOTE!
To quickly get rid of blackheads, acne and pimples, as well as to rejuvenate your facial skin, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with this effective remedy .
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Use of sulfur ointment for demodicosis during pregnancy
As a rule, with the onset of pregnancy, women should be very careful with the choice of medications, including external use. Medicines taken without a doctor's prescription can harm a developing baby in the womb. However, the local use of some external drugs is still allowed.
Sulfur-based liniment, which is prescribed for the treatment of scabies, seborrhea, acne, demodicosis or dermatitis, is considered one of the safest during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It effectively removes bacteria, cleanses pores, dries the skin, giving it freshness and cleanliness.
The risk of developing side effects during treatment is very small. However, it is still worth consulting with your doctor first, since some expectant mothers who are prone to allergic reactions may experience unpleasant consequences, for example, dizziness, low blood pressure, and skin rashes.
Native environment for pathogen development
The peak occurrence of the disease occurs in the spring-autumn season.
The optimal air temperature at which the blackhead feels great reaches 25–30 degrees. In the frosty winter and hot summer, it will be impossible to meet an enemy, as well as to pass him on to the people around him. A subcutaneous tick can become your tenant if:
- Do not observe hygiene rules on the surface of the face.
- The sebaceous glands produce excess secretion and the skin becomes oily.
- Cosmetics containing hormones are used unreasonably or excessively.
- Immunity is weakened.
- Long-term use of medications that disrupt the overall balance.
- There are problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
- There is an excess of vitamin D3.
- Old age has arrived.
- Visiting saunas and steam rooms exceeds permissible limits.
- It is incorrect to use decorative cosmetics.
Demodectic mange is not transmitted from a sick patient to a healthy one unless the intended new host has all the necessary conditions for the development of the subcutaneous mite.
The risk of catching it really exists among people whose professional activities correlate with provoking conditions of development. Still, one should not exclude possible infection through close contact, but the likelihood will increase if at least one of the above factors is allowed.
Contraindications to the use of sulfur ointment for demodicosis
The main contraindication to the use of this external drug is considered to be a tendency to allergies. To avoid adverse effects, before starting drug treatment, it is recommended to apply liniment to a limited area of skin (for example, on the back of the knee or elbow). It is necessary to observe the application site for several hours. If there are no signs such as burning, rashes or itching, then you can safely use the medication.
During pregnancy, as well as in early childhood, liniment is used only after it has been prescribed by a doctor.
Side effects of sulfur ointment for demodicosis
Side effects are relatively rare, however, patients must be aware of the body’s possible reactions. Treatment should be stopped if the following symptoms appear:
- redness of the skin;
- itching and burning sensations;
- swelling, skin tension;
- allergic manifestations.
If you find yourself with at least one of the listed signs, consult a doctor - he will prescribe another, no less effective medicine instead.
Directions for use and doses
Most often the drug is used as follows:
- distribute liniment over the surface of the affected skin;
- if the affected area is large enough, then it is applied to a surface extending beyond the affected area;
- as a rule, the medicine is used once a day, preferably at night, without washing off for four to five hours, but, according to indications, it can be used 2-3 times a day;
- wash off the product by rubbing the skin with oil;
- the duration of treatment is usually at least one week and no more than 10 days;
- At the end of the course of treatment, the affected area should be thoroughly washed (if it is the face, then wash thoroughly).
When using the drug, you must especially carefully adhere to the rules of personal hygiene. It is important to change bed linens, especially pillowcases, as often as possible. Feather pillows should be replaced with new ones, preferably containing synthetic fillers: such pillows prevent re-infestation by mites.
The best inexpensive remedies for treating and eliminating symptoms
There are many drugs for topical use that are aimed at destroying the parasite and eliminating unpleasant symptoms. The ointment should be prescribed by an ophthalmologist or dermatologist after making a diagnosis.
Among the inexpensive ointments for the face are:
- Tar. Antiseptic and antibacterial properties are aimed at killing the mite, drying the skin and eliminating itching. The ointment can reduce the risk of developing allergies.
- Ointment Yam. Contains petroleum jelly, sulfur, acetylsalicylic acid, tar. Such a medicinal composition will help eliminate the main cause of the disease and forget about the symptoms.
- Permethrin. It can be used both at the beginning of the development of the disease and in a complex form. A side effect may be a severe burning sensation.
Apply any product only to cleansed and dry skin in a thin layer. You can wash your face after 7-12 hours.
Eye ointments:
- Ichthyol. It is used both for the face and for mite-affected eyelids. You need to apply without smearing, cover the top with a small piece of bandage.
- Vishnevsky ointment. An effective remedy that reduces itching and burning.
- Demalan. This is an antiparasitic agent that can also be used not only for the eyelids, but also for the face. Destroys the parasite and relieves symptoms.
In addition to the listed drugs, sulfur ointment is considered one of the inexpensive and effective remedies.
How to use sulfur ointment
Many experienced doctors recommend treating demodicosis with sulfur ointment.
Regular use will bring significant relief and elimination of symptoms due to the fact that the causative agent of the disease will be affected. Rules of use:
- apply to affected areas only locally;
- before use, it is important to wash with antiseptic soap and dry the skin;
- the ointment should be applied only in a thin layer, do not rub in after application;
- leave for 3 hours, then remove the product with warm water and a disposable napkin;
- apply moisturizer.
The towel must be individual for the duration of treatment. It is best to use disposable paper napkins to avoid reintroducing the parasite.
The procedure is repeated three times a day. If the drug does not bring improvement, then you need to consult an ophthalmologist or dermatologist.
What should sulfur paste not be combined with in treatment?
There is no need to use several ointments at the same time.
Firstly, sulfur paste is not compatible with all drugs, and secondly, the effect of both drugs is significantly reduced. It is forbidden to combine sulfur ointment with drugs that contain organic compounds, since sulfur reacts with them negatively for the body. It is also prohibited to use the product simultaneously with antimicrobial drugs containing metronidazole (side effects are possible).
A course of treatment
The duration of therapy with sulfur paste can be about 5-7 days. Longer treatment may lead to unpleasant consequences. Sulfur dries the skin very much, so unpleasant consequences such as redness and flaking of the skin may occur. Only the doctor can decide to extend the course of treatment.
Overdose
Most often, the medicine is used once a day shortly before bedtime, for 7-9 days. With longer treatment, signs of overdose may occur, which manifest themselves in the form of increased side effects, skin irritation, the appearance of lumpiness and deterioration in the appearance of the skin.
If you have to treat a large area of the skin surface, it is recommended to use a less concentrated liniment
If an allergic reaction develops, you should stop using the drug and consult a doctor immediately.
Interactions with other drugs
Sulfur is one of the chemical elements, therefore, when combined with sulfur ointment and other external preparations, the formation of new compounds can occur with unpredictable consequences.
It is known that fluoride and iron preparations enhance the penetration of sulfur into tissues. At the same time, drugs based on barium, molybdenum, selenium and arsenic reduce the effectiveness of liniment.
Specific tests regarding the interaction of sulfur-based liniment and other external agents have not been carried out.
Reviews of sulfur ointment for demodicosis
Reviews about treatment with sulfur ointment are quite contradictory. In the vast majority of cases, this is due to incorrect and illiterate use of the drug, gross dosage violations or incorrect diagnosis.
If liniment is used strictly according to indications and follows all the recommendations of the doctor who prescribed the drug, then its positive effect is very noticeable.
Sulfur ointment is a relatively inexpensive external remedy, and also quite effective. Of course, there are some unpleasant moments in using liniment:
- the product may stain clothes and bedding;
- It has a not very pleasant aroma.
However, all these shortcomings can be ignored, since this medicine still significantly improves the condition of the skin.
Sulfur ointment is safe for demodicosis, although it can sometimes cause dry skin. But if you use the drug according to the recommended dosages and application rules, the effect will not take long to appear.
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Medical Expert Editor
Portnov Alexey Alexandrovich
Education: Kiev National Medical University. A.A. Bogomolets, specialty - "General Medicine"
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Sulfur ointment is widely used in the treatment of a large number of skin pathologies, for example, scabies, seborrhea, psoriasis or dermatitis. This is a very popular remedy among young people in the fight against acne. However, sulfur ointment is especially effective for demodicosis - infestation with subcutaneous mites. It is often prescribed in combination with antibacterial agents and salicylates.
Treatment of demodicosis with sulfur ointment can significantly improve the condition of the skin:
- The Demodex mite, which causes this disease, lives in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. When the disease occurs, the skin takes on a patchy, hyperemic appearance, reminiscent of acne. When the form is advanced, the skin becomes lumpy and has a purple tint. Sulfur ointment, after application to the affected skin areas, enters into a local reaction with the formation of sulfides and pentathionic acid. The resulting substances have a pronounced antiparasitic, antimicrobial and keratolytic effect;
- liniment is effective on its own, but dermatologists advise using it only in combination with the antimicrobial agent Metronidazole, which potentiates its properties;
- It is not recommended to use sulfur ointment for more than 10 days in a row to avoid excessive skin irritation.
[1], [2], [3], [4]
