SULFUR
All living matter contains some sulfur ; this element is therefore essential for life. The greater part of the sulfur in the human body is present in the two sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine, or in the double form of the latter cystine. The main purpose of sulfur is to dissolve waste materials. It helps to eject some of the waste and poisons from the system.
It helps keep the skin clear of blemishes and makes hair glossy. It is also valuable in rheumatic conditions. The main sulfur-containing foods are radishes, carrots, cabbage,cheese, dried beans, fish and eggs. There is no recommended dietary allowance. But a diet sufficient in protein will generally be adequate in sulfur. Deficiency of sulfur may cause eczema and imperfect development of hair and nails. sulfur creams and ointments have been remarkably successful in treating a variety of skin problems.
Sulfur is a basic component of the proteins that form our organs and muscles. Beyond that, sulfur is crucial to many of the vitamins, enzymes, hormones and antibodies that keep us alive and healthy. Everything from our muscles and organs to our skin and bones relies on organic sulfur in some way.
Rosacea
A topical lotion (containing sulfur) used successfully for years to treat ACNE has recently been proven safe and effective for treating rosacea, a chronic skin disease. The study appears in the June issue of Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by facial redness affecting the nose, cheeks, and chin. Approximately five percent of the U.S. population suffer from the disease, which has disfigured the noses of individuals such as W.C. Fields and J.P. Morgan.
"This study verifies what a growing number of dermatologists and other physicians already know," says Scott B. Phillips, M. D., principal author of the study. "The combination of sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur is a safe and effective treatment for rosacea." Dr. Phillips is a dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the University of Chicago Hospitals.
Sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur are ingredients found in prescription medication lotions from physicians (sodium sulfacetamide 10 percent and sulfur 5 percent), that are approved for the treatment of acne.
The vehicle controlled, double-blind study tested 103 patients suffering from rosacea. Patients who used prescription medications showed significant improvement with an 83 percent reduction in erythema (facial redness) and 78 percent decrease in inflammatory lesions by the eighth week of the study.
Rosacea typically appears after age 30 and affects more women than men. In the early stages of the disease, facial flushing or blushing will appear and disappear. As the disease progresses, small red or pus-filed bumps appear. These "bumps" are often mistaken for acne. For some individuals, the nose and cheeks may appear puffy, and thick, knobby bumps may develop on the nose.
While there is no cure for rosacea, it can be controlled with early medical treatment and lifestyle modification, such as avoiding spicy foods, reducing one's stress, or not spending extended periods of time under the hot sun.
A variety of prescription medications are available for treating rosacea. These include the use of oral and topical antibiotics, sulfur medications, laser treatments or surgery.
Note: This is provided as information only - if you are someone you know suffers from Rosacea consult your doctor or dermatologist.
Sulfur - Minerals Health Nutrition
