What is Selenium sulfide 2.5 used for
Ava White
Updated on April 17, 2026
Selenium sulfide 1% and 2.5% strengths are used on the scalp to help control the symptoms of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Selenium sulfide 2.5% strength is used also on the body to treat tinea versicolor (a type of fungus infection of the skin).
What Does selenium sulfide treat?
Selenium sulfide, an anti-infective agent, relieves itching and flaking of the scalp and removes the dry, scaly particles that are commonly referred to as dandruff or seborrhea. It is also used to treat tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin.
How do you use selenium sulfide 2.5% shampoo?
- Wet hair and scalp with lukewarm water.
- Apply enough selenium sulfide shampoo to the scalp to work up a lather.
- Allow lather to remain on scalp for 2-3 minutes before rinsing off.
- Repeat with a second wash then rinse well.
- Wash hands well and clean under nails to remove any shampoo.
Does selenium sulfide cause GREY hair?
Selenium sulfide can cause discoloration of your hair. To avoid this, make sure to rinse your scalp and hair extremely well after each treatment.Is selenium sulfide an antifungal?
Selenium sulfide is an antifungal medication. It prevents fungus from growing on your skin. Selenium sulfide topical (for the skin) is used to treat dandruff, seborrhea, and tinea versicolor (a fungus that discolors the skin).
What happens if you leave selenium sulfide on skin?
Skin irritation, dry skin, oily or dry hair/scalp, or temporary hair loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, discontinue use and consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Hair discoloration may occur and can be reduced by carefully rinsing the hair thoroughly after each treatment.
Can selenium sulfide make your hair fall out?
The potential side effects of selenium sulfide include skin irritation, oiliness, dryness, and increased hair loss.
How does selenium sulfide stop dandruff?
It reduces itching, flaking, irritation, and redness of the scalp. Selenium sulfide is also used for a condition that causes discoloration of the skin (tinea versicolor). This medication belongs to a class of medications called anti-infectives. It works by slowing the growth of the yeast that causes the infection.Can you use selenium sulfide on face?
To use selenium sulfide for tinea versicolor of the body: Apply the medicine to the affected areas of your body, except for your face and genitals (sex organs). Work up a lather using a small amount of water. Allow the medicine to remain on your skin for 10 minutes.
How long does it take to get rid of tinea versicolor?How long does tinea versicolor take to go away? The duration of tinea versicolor varies from person to person. On average, treatment takes about one to four weeks. But in some cases, it can take weeks or months for skin color to return to normal.
Article first time published onCan I use Selsun Blue on my face?
Do not take Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide lotion) by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn). Wash your hands before and after use.
How do you use Selsun for skin fungus?
To treat pityriasis versicolor when prescribed by a doctor, Selsun shampoo should be applied to the affected areas of skin once a day for seven days. Leave the shampoo on the skin for 10 minutes before rinsing off. The course may be repeated if necessary.
How do you know if tinea versicolor is healing?
Even after the infection has gone away, the spots may be visible as lighter (hypopigmented) patches on the skin that may not get their normal color back for many months. These hypopigmented spots do not tan normally. The hypopigmented areas are more obvious in darker-skinned people.
Can selenium sulfide cure toenail fungus?
Selenium IV Sulfide as an Antifungal Agent In short, an antifungal is used to prevent the growth, spread, and vigor of fungi. Selenium IV sulfide is an effective antifungal agent and is commonly called upon to clear up fungal infections.
Does selenium grow hair?
Selenium works for healthy hair growth by killing free radicals. … Selenium also activates an enzyme important for the regeneration of important antioxidants in the body, such as vitamin C. These further promote hair growth and hair regrowth by killing harmful free radicals.
Do you need selenium for hair growth?
Selenium Benefits Selenium is essential for the production of the thyroid hormones that help to regulate hair growth, says health author Mary Shomon. Free radicals can contribute to damage that weakens hair follicles.
What is good for hair growth and thickness?
- Massage. Massaging the scalp, which can be used in conjunction with hair oils and masks, stimulates the scalp and may improve hair thickness . …
- Aloe vera. Aloe vera has long been used for treating hair loss. …
- Coconut oil. …
- Viviscal. …
- Fish oil. …
- Ginseng. …
- Onion juice. …
- Rosemary oil.
How often should you use Selsun Blue?
This medication is usually used 1 or 2 times per week to treat dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, or less frequently to maintain control of dandruff. For the treatment of tinea versicolor, apply selenium sulfide to the affected skin. Lather with a small amount of water. Allow it to remain on your skin for 10 minutes.
Is Selenium sulfide the same as ketoconazole?
Ketoconazole was statistically superior to selenium sulfide at day 8 only (p = 0.0026). Both medicated shampoos were significantly better than placebo for reducing irritation and itching.
Can you spread tinea versicolor?
It does not spread from person to person. Other things that increase your chance of getting tinea versicolor include: Having an impaired immune system, which can occur during pregnancy or from some illnesses.
Is dandruff a fungus?
No one is really sure what causes dandruff. It’s probably caused by a fungus. Hair follicles and oil glands make an oil called sebum, which may be a breeding ground for yeast or the fungus. This fungus usually lives on your skin, but too much fungus may lead to dandruff.
Is Head and Shoulders or Selsun Blue better?
At the end of the study the mean improvement scores were: 16.2 (Selsun Blue), 14.6 (head & Shoulders), 13.5 (Flex), and 13.1 (Tegrin). The improvement was significantly greater (p less than 0.05) on Selsun Blue than on any of the other shampoo.
Does Selsun shampoo cause hair loss?
Skin irritation, dry skin, oily or dry hair/scalp, or temporary hair loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, discontinue use and consult your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Hair discoloration may occur and can be reduced by carefully rinsing the hair thoroughly after each treatment.
What soap is good for tinea versicolor?
If you have a history of tinea versicolor, your doctor may recommend you use soap containing zinc pyrithione (like Vanicream™ Z-Bar or DermaZinc™ Zinc Therapy Soap), ketoconazole (Nizoral®) or selenium sulfide (Selsun blue). This type of soap may help prevent future infections and overgrowth of yeast.
What is the fastest way to get rid of tinea versicolor?
Body washing with dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue), pyrithione zinc (Head & Shoulders, Soothe), and ketoconazole (Nizoral) may help the tinea versicolor clear faster and stay away longer. In the past, some have recommended application of shampoos for overnight use.
What is the best home remedy for tinea versicolor?
An ingredient that can cure almost all your concerns, Aloe Vera is greatly known for soothing irritated skin. It is rich in Vitamin B12, which is good for treating Tinea versicolor along with its anti-inflammatory and alkalizing properties which can help soothe the affected area and stop the fungus from spreading.
Can I use Selsun shampoo everyday?
Q3. How often should I use the Selsun shampoo? Ans. You can use the shampoo twice weekly for two weeks and then only when necessary or as directed by the physician.
What are antifungal shampoos?
Nizoral (ketoconazole) 2% Shampoo is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections of the skin such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and seborrhea (dry, flaking skin). Nizoral is available as a cream, gel, and shampoo. Nizoral shampoo is used for the treatment of dandruff.
Does head and shoulders have Selenium sulfide?
Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoo contain selenium sulfide to target the toughest dandruff. … The Clinical Strength Shampoo is our maximum strength dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis fighting solution.
What is the strongest over the counter antifungal medication?
How it works: The most effective of all OTC treatments, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, terbinafine is an antifungal product that kills the fungus and keeps it from coming back by inhibiting an enzyme it requires to grow.
Is Selsun Blue antifungal?
Selsun Blue Medicated Treatment (Topical) Selenium sulfide is an antifungal medication. It prevents fungus from growing on your skin. Selenium sulfide topical (for the skin) is used to treat dandruff, seborrhea, and tinea versicolor (a fungus that discolors the skin).