Is Sulphur Helpful Oh Harmful in Acne Vulgaris?

Summary.— Suspensions and creams containing elemental sulphur were shown to be capable of inducing comedones in the rabbit ear and on human backs.Sulphur phur compounds, sulphides, sulphites, thiosulphates and thiols were inactive in this respect. Even though sulphur was not strongly comedogenic, the thesis is presented that its daily application in the treatment of acne vulgaris might perpetuate rather than ameliorate the disease. It is argued that sulphur has a dual paradoxical role in acne; it hastens the resolution of visible papulo‐pustules while insidiously promoting the formation of new comedones from which inflammatory lesions spring, thus establishing a vicious cycle.