Selenium Sulfide
About Selenium Sulfide
Selenium Sulfide is a topical medicated suspension formulated to treat skin and scalp conditions characterised by scaling, flaking, and itching. It is primarily suggested to manage dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea versicolour, which is a common fungal infection causing patches of discoloured skin. By targeting the underlying causes of these conditions, it helps restore skin and scalp health.
Because this is a topical treatment applied directly to the skin or scalp, its effectiveness relies heavily on consistent use as directed by your doctor. It is strictly for external use and does not involve food-related instructions. Making supportive lifestyle changes, such as avoiding high-heat styling tools and using mild, non-irritating hair care products, can significantly improve your results.
While using Selenium Sulfide, you may experience mild side effects like local skin irritation, dry skin, or temporary hair shedding. If you notice severe burning, swelling, or blistering, you should stop using the product immediately and contact your doctor. It is always best to seek professional guidance if you experience any unexpected reactions.
Do not use this product if you have acute, severe skin inflammation or open wounds in the treatment area. If you have sensitive skin, allergies to topical ingredients, or generalised skin damage, discuss these conditions with your doctor before starting treatment. This ensures the medication is safe for your specific skin type.
This topical medicine can interact with chemical hair treatments such as dyes, bleaches, or perms, potentially causing hair discolouration. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing skin conditions in an elderly family member, consult your doctor or pharmacist to confirm if this treatment is appropriate.
Uses of Selenium Sulfide
Medicinal Benefits
When used as directed, Selenium Sulfide helps relieve symptoms of dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and tinea versicolour while supporting healthier skin and scalp.
- Relieves itching and discomfort: Helps soothe irritated skin and reduce itching associated with fungal scalp and skin conditions.
- Reduces flaking and scaling: Helps control the visible flakes and scales caused by dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis.
- Supports healthier skin: Helps reduce fungal overgrowth and restore the normal appearance of the affected skin with regular use.
- Promotes comfort: By reducing itching and flaking, it helps you feel more comfortable in your daily activities.
Directions for Use
- Lotion/Suspension: Shake the suspension bottle well before use. For the treatment of skin infections like tinea versicolor, apply the suspension/lotion on the affected areas (except for face and genitals) and lather with a small amount of water. Leave it on the skin for 10 minutes and rinse with clean water.
- Foam/Shampoo: Apply the advised amount usually of foam/shampoo on the scalp and produce lather with water. Leave it for 5-10 minutes and rinse with water thoroughly.
Storage
Side Effects of Selenium Sulfide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Dryness of the scalp or hair
- Increased oiliness of the hair or scalp
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or a warm sensation at the application site
- Temporary hair colour changes, especially on bleached, tinted, gray, or chemically treated hair
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Severe burning, redness, or swelling of the treated skin
- Blistering, oozing, or peeling skin
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Remove jewellery before use: Always remove rings, watches, and other jewellery before applying this medicine, as it can tarnish or discolour metals such as silver.
- Rinse thoroughly after use: Rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly for several minutes, especially if you have light-coloured, grey, or chemically treated hair, to help prevent temporary discolouration.
- Avoid contact with sensitive areas: Keep the product away from your eyes, nose, mouth, and other sensitive areas. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Do not apply to damaged skin: Do not apply this product to raw, broken, blistered, or infected skin, as this can increase absorption of the medicine into the bloodstream.
- Avoid chemical hair treatments: Do not use hair dyes, bleaches, perms, or chemical relaxers within 48 hours before or after applying this product.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Selenium Sulfide:
- Other topical medicated products: Avoid applying other medicated lotions, creams, or shampoos to the same treatment area at the same time unless explicitly instructed by your doctor, as this can increase skin irritation.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safeNo interaction found/ established. Please consult your doctor before using Selenium Sulfide.
Pregnancy
cautionSelenium Sulfide in Selenium Sulfide may harm the foetus when applied to a pregnant woman's body surfaces or can affect reproduction capacity. Please consult your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or already pregnant before starting Selenium Sulfide.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited data on how Selenium Sulfide affects breastfeeding infants. It is not known if Selenium Sulfide can excrete into breast milk. Please consult your doctor before starting Selenium Sulfide.
Driving
safeSelenium Sulfide has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before recommending Selenium Sulfide.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before recommending Selenium Sulfide.
Children
cautionSelenium Sulfide is not recommended for use below two years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid oily products on affected areas: Heavy, oil-based hair products and greasy skin lotions may encourage fungal overgrowth and make symptoms worse.
- Keep your skin clean and dry: Shower after heavy sweating and dry your skin thoroughly, especially in skin folds, to help reduce fungal growth.
- Manage stress: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen seborrhoeic dermatitis in some people. Relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep may help.
- Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet that provides enough vitamins and minerals, including zinc and B vitamins, supports overall skin and scalp health.
Special Advise
It is advised to reach out to your doctor if you do not notice any improvement after 2-4 weeks of treatment.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that causes an itchy rash with dry, flaky scales on the skin that contains oil glands, such as the scalp, face, back and upper chest. It may also cause stubborn dandruff.
Dandruff is a skin condition that causes flaking of the scalp skin. Symptoms include skin flakes on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, shoulders, and itchy scalp. Dandruff can be caused by irritated/oily skin, the development of fungus on the scalp, dry skin, sensitivity to hair care products like shampoos or other hair treatments, and skin conditions like psoriasis.
Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection that causes small, discoloured patches of skin.
FAQs
Selenium Sulfide is used to treat seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff or scaly patches and red skin on the scalp), and tinea versicolor (a fungus that discolours the skin).
Selenium Sulfide consists of Selenium sulfide, an antifungal agent that relieves itching and flaking of the scalp and removes the dry, scaly particles. It works by blocking the enzymes that are involved in epithelial tissue growth.
If you need to apply the shampoo on light, blonde, grey, or chemically treated (bleached, tinted, permanent-waved) hair, rinse your hair thoroughly for 5 minutes to decrease the chances of discolouration.
Selenium Sulfide is safe to use with a doctor's advice and over a limited period (2-4 weeks). Let your doctor know if your symptoms are not relieved by then or experience any side effects.
Selenium Sulfide is for topical (for skin) use only. Do not put a bandage or dressing on the affected area while treating unless the doctor advised. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water. If you are wearing gold, silver or other metallic jewellery, remove them before using Selenium Sulfide since it causes discolouration of objects.
Please consult your doctor before using Selenium Sulfide if you have other skin infections. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to Selenium Sulfide or any of its components. Please do not use Selenium Sulfide on red/irritated/broken skin.
Please do not stop using Selenium Sulfide on your own, even if the symptoms are relieved until your course is finished. Your symptoms may improve even if the infection is not cured.
If you accidentally swallow Selenium Sulfide, consult your doctor immediately. Inform them about the amount swallowed, and follow their instructions carefully for proper treatment.
Selenium Sulfide may cause hair discoloration. Tell your doctor if it is severe or does not go away.
The frequency of using Selenium Sulfide can be determined by the doctor based on your health condition being treated. Always follow the doctor’s instructions while using it.
The common side effects of Selenium Sulfide include dry scalp, skin irritation, or temporary hair loss. These side effects usually do not require medical attention and gradually resolve during the treatment. If you experience any other symptoms you think may be due to Selenium Sulfide, please consult your doctor for further advice.
Many patients notice relief from itching and flaking within the first few applications. However, it may take several weeks of consistent use for your skin or scalp condition to clear fully. Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
No. This product is designed to remain on the skin or scalp for only a few minutes before being rinsed off thoroughly. Leaving it on longer than directed can cause severe skin irritation. Follow your doctor's instructions for how long to leave the product on.
No. This is a medicated treatment and should not be used as a daily shampoo unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Using it too frequently can dry out your scalp and hair, leading to increased irritation.
Yes. You can use a mild, non-medicated shampoo first to clean your hair and remove oil or styling product buildup. Rinse thoroughly before applying Selenium Sulfide. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on the best treatment routine if needed.
If the product gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with plenty of cool, clean water for several minutes. Consult your doctor right away if redness, burning, or vision changes persist.
You should not use this product on infants or young children unless a paediatrician has specifically suggested it. Children's skin is more sensitive and can absorb topical medicines more easily.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this product. Although it is applied to the skin, safety information is limited, and your doctor will help determine whether it is appropriate for you.
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