Brooke007
Member, Dumbledore's Army
In reading through the vast Shapley’s MTG posts I want to help allay some fears and provide some alternatives for those who are curious about the benefits but too scared to try an animal product.
I am not a MTG user or proponent. In fact, since the company has not been very forthcoming (perhaps for good reason i.e. protecting their profit and CYA) I think "we" need to STOP using the Shapley’s mess and stop making them rich(er). I just have strong feelings about customer service. They are getting way too much free marketing here and I don't see any sponsorship links. I digress..
For purposes of keeping this long post shorter we’ll assume you are aware and accept all the “hair growth” benefits of topical sulfur. There are numerous threads extolling the benefits so you can conduct a search.
So what’s really in MTG and why?
The ingredients have been posted elsewhere but..
The Sulfur part:
AKA precipitated sulfur or sublimed sulfur, brimstone, flowers of sulfur, or milk of sulfur. These are different names for pure elemental sulfur, natural and non-toxic. It is a relatively fine yellow powder, which is compounded with petroleum and emoluments such as liquid paraffin, lanolin, petroleum etc. The powder, undiluted, will burn your skin.
The oil part:
In order for Sulfur to be “safe” and useable it has to be used in a petroleum wetting agent. A very low grade and thus cheap liquid paraffin is what’s used in the MTG, however medicinal liquid paraffin is available should you choose to mix your own. Petroleum, Vaseline, castor oil are other common carriers.
How safe is safe it and why it is used…on humans?
Sulfur is used primarily to treat skin conditions including scabies in infants less than 2 months old, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.1 It generally is used when other medications (such as permethrin or lindane) cannot be used. It is also used to treat acne, fungus, etc.
If sulfur ointments as high as 10% are prescribed for infants I think it’s pretty safe to use topically.
Shapley’s MTG alternatives:
There are various OTC sulfur ointments available mainly for acne treatment containing between 3% -10% sulfur: (Shapley’s contains about 5%-8%.) Check ingredients carefully. Steer away from those containing Salicylic acid and large amounts of alcohol. The only active ingredient should be sulfur.
You can find this at Wal-Mart, CVS etc: Brand name 'De La Cruz Pomada De Azufre' Acne Medication, Sulfur Ointment 10%, 2.6 oz, $3.99. White plastic jar with orange label. Distributed by DLC Marketing Co., Paramount, CA 90723.
Ingredients: Specially processed microcrystalline sulfur 10% in an oil-free, water-washable base.
SULFUR OINTMENT. USP 10%
Found at germa-drugs.com
Use: Great for affections of the skin, fungus, spots, acne, ect.
Directions: Apply twice daily during the day for a total of 7 days.
Formula: Sulfur Precip. 10g., Petrolatum 90g.
You can ask your pharmacist for:
Sulphur Ointment (B.P.)
precipitated sulphur 10% in White Simple Ointment
Sulphur ointment 5% - dilute B.P. preparation with an equal part of soft paraffin
Some pharmacies will compound the sulfur ointment for you, see below.
From a skin care board:
"Some U.S. pharmacies do not carry sulfur ointment but will compose them for you on demand, I guess they have the powder or order it for you, and mix it with petroleum jelly. One poster said it takes them an hour to do this."
How to use the sulfur cream:
Patch test for 24 hours before you start the treatment. If your skin turns "lobster red" under the patch there is an allergy and the treatment should be reconsidered.
A hive-like rash under the patch would mean the same thing.
Allergic reaction to the sulfur is not very frequent and does not mean that sulfur is in any way toxic.
The sulfur may be itchy by itself which is normal.
You basically grease your scalp with the ointment.
Side Effects
Precipitated sulfur is considered very safe. It may dry the skin.
Overdose Symptoms:
Excessive application of topical sulfur may lead to more-severe irritation of the skin.
What to Do:
If topical sulfur is accidentally ingested, call your doctor, emergency medical services, or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Disease Interactions:
You should not use sulfur if you have had a prior allergic reaction to it.
Common Side effects:
Mild redness and peeling of skin.
Less Common:
Skin irritation or allergy with redness, peeling, burning, stinging, itching, or rash.
Contact your doctor.
To mix your own topical sulfur ointment:
This info is readily available but I struggle with posting it because some of us are too darn eager and start to mixin’ stuff like 787 essential oils and concoctions that it scares me since you DON’T want to be that experimental and eager with sulfur.
Be very careful to get 100% precipitated sulfur, also called sublimed sulfur, or brimstone, or flowers of sulfur, or milk of sulfur.
Again, the powder, undiluted, will burn your skin. In fact, it’s rather dangerous to make. During the mixing process it can easily get in your eyes and can be inhaled if you aren't careful. You will wish you were dead if this happens. There are lots of places where you can buy 100% pure sulfur and it is relatively cheap. This post is getting too dang long and I'm tired now so if anyone wants more info on making your own PM me.
I hope this is helpful for someone....
I am not a MTG user or proponent. In fact, since the company has not been very forthcoming (perhaps for good reason i.e. protecting their profit and CYA) I think "we" need to STOP using the Shapley’s mess and stop making them rich(er). I just have strong feelings about customer service. They are getting way too much free marketing here and I don't see any sponsorship links. I digress..
For purposes of keeping this long post shorter we’ll assume you are aware and accept all the “hair growth” benefits of topical sulfur. There are numerous threads extolling the benefits so you can conduct a search.
So what’s really in MTG and why?
The ingredients have been posted elsewhere but..
The Sulfur part:
AKA precipitated sulfur or sublimed sulfur, brimstone, flowers of sulfur, or milk of sulfur. These are different names for pure elemental sulfur, natural and non-toxic. It is a relatively fine yellow powder, which is compounded with petroleum and emoluments such as liquid paraffin, lanolin, petroleum etc. The powder, undiluted, will burn your skin.
The oil part:
In order for Sulfur to be “safe” and useable it has to be used in a petroleum wetting agent. A very low grade and thus cheap liquid paraffin is what’s used in the MTG, however medicinal liquid paraffin is available should you choose to mix your own. Petroleum, Vaseline, castor oil are other common carriers.
How safe is safe it and why it is used…on humans?
Sulfur is used primarily to treat skin conditions including scabies in infants less than 2 months old, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.1 It generally is used when other medications (such as permethrin or lindane) cannot be used. It is also used to treat acne, fungus, etc.
If sulfur ointments as high as 10% are prescribed for infants I think it’s pretty safe to use topically.
Shapley’s MTG alternatives:
There are various OTC sulfur ointments available mainly for acne treatment containing between 3% -10% sulfur: (Shapley’s contains about 5%-8%.) Check ingredients carefully. Steer away from those containing Salicylic acid and large amounts of alcohol. The only active ingredient should be sulfur.
You can find this at Wal-Mart, CVS etc: Brand name 'De La Cruz Pomada De Azufre' Acne Medication, Sulfur Ointment 10%, 2.6 oz, $3.99. White plastic jar with orange label. Distributed by DLC Marketing Co., Paramount, CA 90723.
Ingredients: Specially processed microcrystalline sulfur 10% in an oil-free, water-washable base.
SULFUR OINTMENT. USP 10%
Found at germa-drugs.com
Use: Great for affections of the skin, fungus, spots, acne, ect.
Directions: Apply twice daily during the day for a total of 7 days.
Formula: Sulfur Precip. 10g., Petrolatum 90g.
You can ask your pharmacist for:
Sulphur Ointment (B.P.)
precipitated sulphur 10% in White Simple Ointment
Sulphur ointment 5% - dilute B.P. preparation with an equal part of soft paraffin
Some pharmacies will compound the sulfur ointment for you, see below.
From a skin care board:
"Some U.S. pharmacies do not carry sulfur ointment but will compose them for you on demand, I guess they have the powder or order it for you, and mix it with petroleum jelly. One poster said it takes them an hour to do this."
How to use the sulfur cream:
Patch test for 24 hours before you start the treatment. If your skin turns "lobster red" under the patch there is an allergy and the treatment should be reconsidered.
A hive-like rash under the patch would mean the same thing.
Allergic reaction to the sulfur is not very frequent and does not mean that sulfur is in any way toxic.
The sulfur may be itchy by itself which is normal.
You basically grease your scalp with the ointment.
Side Effects
Precipitated sulfur is considered very safe. It may dry the skin.
Overdose Symptoms:
Excessive application of topical sulfur may lead to more-severe irritation of the skin.
What to Do:
If topical sulfur is accidentally ingested, call your doctor, emergency medical services, or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Disease Interactions:
You should not use sulfur if you have had a prior allergic reaction to it.
Common Side effects:
Mild redness and peeling of skin.
Less Common:
Skin irritation or allergy with redness, peeling, burning, stinging, itching, or rash.
Contact your doctor.
To mix your own topical sulfur ointment:
This info is readily available but I struggle with posting it because some of us are too darn eager and start to mixin’ stuff like 787 essential oils and concoctions that it scares me since you DON’T want to be that experimental and eager with sulfur.
Be very careful to get 100% precipitated sulfur, also called sublimed sulfur, or brimstone, or flowers of sulfur, or milk of sulfur.
Again, the powder, undiluted, will burn your skin. In fact, it’s rather dangerous to make. During the mixing process it can easily get in your eyes and can be inhaled if you aren't careful. You will wish you were dead if this happens. There are lots of places where you can buy 100% pure sulfur and it is relatively cheap. This post is getting too dang long and I'm tired now so if anyone wants more info on making your own PM me.
I hope this is helpful for someone....
I've just added you to my friends list!! 
Thanks for the info and it anyone comes up w/a full process on how to make ur own please share. I dont have time right now to spend in the "lab" so Im gonna use the MTG until somebody comes up w/a good home made hookup 
