Unna1 expressed the opinion that all substances which are capable of withdrawing oxygen from the tissue promote the process of keratinization and are what he termed keratoplastic. Besides the purely chemical action, however, Jadassohn2 pointed out that other factors, biologic and physical, have to be considered.
Sulfur, because of its keratolytic, keratoplastic, antipruritic and antiparasitic action, is one of the most important drugs in dermatology and a common constituent of many pastes, ointments, lotions and proprietary remedies. The dermatologist is most interested in the local action of sulfur. I attempted to compare the local action of sulfur in various concentrations in different bases. Before going on with the report of my findings, a short review of the pharmacologic action of sulfur, as far as it is known, will be given.
THE PHARMACOLOGIC ACTION OF SULFUR
Elementary sulfur occurs in many modifications, which differ from each other in physical