Question

Why is sulfur used in skin ointments?

Answer 1

Hint: The sulfur has properties to promote the healing of the skin, killing the skin-harming bacteria, thinning of the epidermal layer of skin, unclogging of the pores and synthesis of antioxidants in our body.

Complete step by step solution:
The sulfur is one of the minerals in our body present profoundly. It shows positive effects on our skin on topical application, thus contributes to healing various skin conditions.
It is due to its antibacterial property and ability to dry out the surface of the skin which promotes its use in various skin ointments. Some skin conditions which are treated through sulphur ointments are as follows:
- it is quite effective in killing the scabies mites that cause itching over the skin and thus easing the irritating sensation over the skin surface.
- it kills the acne-causing bacteria and through the drying of the skin (keratolytic property), it removes excess oil and unclogs the pores. Thus, healing the acne. Also, the thinning and shedding of the skin may also take place in treating the seborrheic dermatitis condition.
Thus, the sulfur is made use of in various skin ointments, soaps, creams and lotions due to its healing nature and cost-effectiveness.

Note: The sulfur is present in various forms to fulfil these properties, such as milk of sulphur, carbon disulphide, amorphous sulfur etc. Other than ointments, sulfur is also used in the preparation of other medicines, in fertilizers, as bleaching agents, synthesis of proteins and antioxidants in our body. Thus, having broad applications in the ecosystem.