Can patients with psoriasis take showers with sulfur soap?

Mar 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've had psoriasis for many years, and it's especially uncomfortable when I sweat in summer. I heard that sulfur soap has antibacterial properties. Can I use sulfur soap to bathe given my condition?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

Psoriasis patients are not advised to use sulfur soap for bathing.

Psoriasis is a common chronic, recurrent skin disease characterized by red patches and scaling on the skin, frequently appearing on areas such as the scalp, knees, and elbows. Sulfur is a natural mineral that possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and keratolytic properties. Sulfur soap utilizes these properties of sulfur to help improve skin conditions by cleansing and regulating sebum secretion. However, the skin of psoriasis patients is more sensitive, and improper use of sulfur soap may irritate the skin, causing adverse reactions such as dryness and peeling, thereby worsening the condition.

It is recommended that psoriasis patients use moisturizers or emollients daily to maintain skin hydration, which can aid in the rapid recovery of skin lesions. When selecting bathing products, it is advisable to choose mild, non-irritating soaps or shower gels to avoid further irritation and damage to the skin. Additionally, attention should be paid to water temperature control, avoiding water that is excessively hot or cold to prevent adverse effects on the skin.

During treatment, patients are advised to follow medical instructions for standardized medication therapy to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.