Sulfur has a long history of use in dermatology, particularly for the treatment of various forms of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. Its use is supported by both traditional practice and scientific evidence, though the evidence base is moderate rather than robust.

Sulfur acts as a keratolytic and has mild antibacterial and antifungal properties. Its mechanism involves promoting shedding of the outer skin layer, which helps reduce scaling and flaking. Additionally, sulfur can inhibit the growth of certain microbes implicated in skin conditions, such as Malassezia species, which are associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

Clinical studies on sulfur's effectiveness for dermatitis are somewhat limited and often involve combination products (e.g., sulfur with salicylic acid or other agents), making it difficult to assess sulfur's standalone efficacy. However, a small number of trials and case reports indicate that topical sulfur can improve symptoms in conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and acne, which share some pathophysiology with dermatitis. Major dermatological guidelines recognize sulfur as a potential adjunctive therapy, particularly in cases where other treatments are contraindicated or poorly tolerated.

In summary, while sulfur’s use for dermatitis is partially rooted in tradition, there is a moderate scientific basis for its effectiveness, reflected in its continued inclusion in some modern dermatological preparations.