ARTICLES
The Healing Properties of Sulfur
Sulfur is a naturally-sourced mineral that contains anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antiseptic characteristics ideal for treating bacteria-related conditions such as acne vulgaris.
Evidently the use of sulfur to treat acne dates back to ancient Greece, during the time of Hippocrates, and has also been used to treat other skin conditions such as rosacea, dermatitis, warts and dandruff. Sulfur is an effective treatment of inflammatory pimples and acne lesions, gradually eliminating the dark scars left by pimples.
Although it is extremely effective, it takes some time to be effective - so although excellent results are achieved, these normally do not happen overnight. A common mistake is to think that since a little is effective, then applying a lot of cream would be more effective. This wrong thinking could lead to skin irritation, and even slight burns. Medications containing sulfur (like Nixoderm) should be applied sparingly on the skin and should not be rubbed in or massaged.
Nixoderm can also be used as an overnight mask or as a base for daytime make-up. One 17.7 gram can of Nixoderm can last up to one month, depending on usage. A typical anti-acne regimen would last 3 months, although visible results can be seen as early as the end of the first month. I know of some people who have been using Nixoderm all their lives, to prevent pimples, blemishes, etc., with no side effects.
It is also indicated for Eczema, Psoriasis and Ringworm.
Comedones - Blackheads and Whiteheads
Blackheads, also called comedones, are small, flesh-colored, white, or dark bumps that give skin a rough texture. The bumps are found at the opening of a sebaceous follicle (pore). Comedones are the skin-colored, small bumps (papules) frequently found on the forehead, cheek, and chin of those with acne. Open comedones are blackheads; black because of surface pigment (melanin) rather than dirt. Closed comedones are whiteheads; the follicle is completely blocked.
Blackheads occur when dead skin cells block the pore through which a hair emerges from the skin, and the oil that would normally travel to the surface of the skin gets stuck and solidifies. Acne is essentially due to the over-activity of the oil producing glands.
Blackheads are not caused by dirt on the surface of the skin, and oil on the surface of the skin usually does no harm. But it is important for a person to wash their face regularly with any basic soap. There is no need to buy special soaps, and harsh abrasives should be avoided. Scrubbing can aggravate acne by forcing oils back into the skin tissue. Picking or squeezing blackheads is also not advised.
A blackhead can be squeezed back into the pore, leading only to an infection of the pore, showing itself as a "zit". A person should never pick a pimple unless there is a head on the pimple or they can see pus, and they have washed their hands thoroughly. Any pus should be gently pushed out rather than forced out. The pimple can be punctured with a sterilized needle if needed. Squeezing a pimple until it bleeds can result in scars. It is also advised that a person keep their hair clean, and away from any area where they are experiencing problems. In other words, don't cover up acne by wearing bangs.