selenium sulfide
Prescription-strength selenium sulfide is a topical antiseborrheic. It's used to treat dandruff, tinea versicolor (a type of fungal infection), and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. It works by killing fungus that grows on the scalp and helping your body shed less dead skin cells. Prescription-strength selenium sulfide comes as shampoo (selenium sulfide 2.3% and 2.25%) lotion (selenium sulfide 2.5%). Side effects can include skin irritation, change of hair color, and greasy or dry hair and scalp.
Note: Selenium sulfide is also available over-the-counter as selenium sulfide 1% shampoo.
What is Selenium sulfide?
What is Selenium sulfide used for?
- Dandruff
- Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (condition that causes dry, scaly, red, and itchy skin)
- Tinea versicolor (fungal skin infection that causes discolored patches or spots on the body)
How Selenium sulfide works
Selenium sulfide works in two ways. It treats tinea versicolor by stops certain fungus from growing on and irritating the skin. In treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp by slowing down the shedding of skin cells.
Drug facts
Side effects of Selenium sulfide
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Skin irritation
- More hair loss than usual
- Discoloration of hair
- Greasy or dry hair and scalp
The following Selenium sulfide side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common or rare
Skin irritation
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Unusual dryness or oiliness of hair or scalp
Less common
Increase in normal hair loss
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Selenium sulfide
Pros
- Typically treats tinea versicolor with a week of treatment
- Only needs to be used twice a week to manage dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis
- Available as a lotion and shampoo
- Applied to the skin
Cons
- Might discolor your hair
- Can cause hair to appear greasy or dry
- Might damage jewelry if this medication gets on it
- Prescription-strength shampoo might not a good option for children
Pharmacist tips for Selenium sulfide
- Take off your jewelry before using selenium sulfide. This medication might damage jewelry.
- Don't apply selenium sulfide to broken skin or inflamed areas. Don't allow it to come into contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals. Applying selenium sulfide to these areas can cause your skin to become very irritated.
- Selenium sulfide can cause discoloration of your hair. To lower the risk of this side effect, rinse your scalp and hair extremely well after each treatment.
- Selenium sulfide can cause your hair and scalp to become dry or oily. If you experience these side effects, ask your dermatologist for recommendations on how to minimize the symptoms.
- It's unknown if this product can harm an unborn baby. Therefore, it's not recommended to use selenium sulfide during pregnancy. Speak with your prescriber if you find out you're pregnant while using this medication.
Common questions about Selenium sulfide
Yes, selenium sulfide is considered an antifungal medication. It helps control the growth of a certain fungus that causes skin irritation and flaking.
People have reported a greater-than-normal amount of hair loss after using selenium sulfide. If you are concerned about how much hair you're losing, let your prescriber know.
Ask your dermatologist if you can apply selenium sulfide on your face. They might instruct you to do so if you have tinea versicolor, a condition that can affect the face. Just be careful not to get any medication in your eyes or it could cause irritation and burning. Follow your prescriber's instructions on where you should apply this medication.
If you're using prescription-strength selenium sulfide 2.3% or 2.25% shampoo to treat tinea versicolor, your dermatologist will instruct you to use it daily for 7 days. But if you're prescribed the shampoo for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, then your dermatologist will typically ask you to use it twice a week for the first 2 weeks, then less often after that once your symptoms are under control. Ask your healthcare team if you're not sure how often or how long you should use this medication.
Selenium sulfide can affect your hair. For example, it might cause some hair loss, or cause your hair to feel oily or dry. It can also alter the color of your hair, but you can prevent this from happening by rinsing your hair thoroughly after treatment. Have a conversation with your prescriber about ways to care for your hair during treatment with selenium sulfide.
Prescription-strength selenium sulfide contains a higher concentration of the medication than non-prescription (over-the-counter) selenium sulfide. For example, prescription selenium sulfide comes as 2.5% lotion, as well as 2.25% and 2.3% shampoo. But over-the-counter selenium sulfide comes as 1% shampoo. In addition, prescription-strength selenium sulfide can treat tinea versicolor, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis. But over-the-counter selenium sulfide only treats dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Directions for use are fairly similar to help control symptoms, but speak with your prescriber to make sure.
A temporary rash might appear after applying selenium sulfide if you have sensitive skin or if you're allergic to an ingredient in the product. If the rash is severe or doesn't go away, let your prescriber know. You might need to switch to a different treatment.
No, rinse selenium sulfide off the skin or scalp after a few minutes. You shouldn't leave this product on your skin or scalp overnight because it can cause your skin to get irritated.
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Risks and warnings for Selenium sulfide
Selenium sulfide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
For external use only
Only use selenium sulfide on the skin or scalp. Don't let it come in contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, or genitals. You should also avoid applying it to broken skin or inflamed areas. Serious skin irritation can occur if applied to these areas. If an allergic reaction happens, you should stop using selenium sulfide and contact your prescriber.
Avoid use while pregnant
Selenium sulfide hasn't been studied in pregnant females, and it isn't known whether it's safe for an unborn baby. Therefore, it's recommended you avoid using it during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or would like to become pregnant, speak with your healthcare team to discuss the safest option for you to treat your symptoms.
Selenium sulfide dosage
Typical dosage for Selenium sulfide
Selenium sulfide comes in both a shampoo and lotion. The 2.3% shampoo is only approved for adults, while the 2.25% shampoo can be used by people 12 years and older. The 2.5% lotion can be used by both adults and children.
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp
- 2.25% and 2.3% shampoo: Shake the bottle well before using. Wet your hair, apply selenium sulfide onto the scalp and massage gently into a full lather, then rinse off thoroughly. Use twice a week for 2 weeks to control symptoms, then less frequently or as instructed by your prescriber to keep symptoms under control.
- 2.5% lotion: Shake the bottle well before using. Wet your hair and massage 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of selenium sulfide onto the scalp. Allow the medication to remain on the scalp for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse the scalp thoroughly and repeat. Use twice a week for the first 2 weeks to control symptoms, then less frequently or as instructed by your prescriber to keep symptoms under control.
Tinea versicolor (fungal skin infection)
- 2.25% and 2.3% shampoo: Shake the bottle well before using. Wet the skin, apply selenium sulfide to the affected area(s) and massage gently into a full lather. Allow selenium sulfide to remain on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly. Do this once daily for 7 days or as instructed by your prescriber.
- 2.5% lotion: Shake the bottle well before using. Apply selenium sulfide to the affected area(s) and lather with a small amount of water. Allow selenium sulfide to remain on the skin for 10 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly. Do this once daily for 7 days or as instructed by your prescriber.
Interactions between Selenium sulfide and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Selenium sulfide cost?
$10.13
What are alternatives to Selenium sulfide?
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