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Uses of Selenium Sulfide

Selenium sulfide is used to treat dandruff and is a key ingredient in dandruff shampoos such as Selsun Blue, Dandrex, and Exsel. It is for topical use only and should not be taken internally or rubbed in to cuts or sores. It must be washed out a few minutes after use and kept away from the eyes. You can obtain stronger selenium sulfide shampoos with a doctor's prescription.

  1. Treating Dandruff

    • Dandruff is dry skin that gathers around hair follicles. Selenium sulfide is used to treat dandruff and can be found in many medicated shampoos. Wet your scalp and rub a small amount, about a tablespoon into your scalp. Allow it to sit on your scalp for two to three minutes. Wash it out with gently running water while massaging the scalp for at least five minutes. Apply twice a week for two weeks. If condition does not improve or worsens see your doctor.

    Treating Tinea Versicolor

    • Tinea versicolor is a chronic fungal infection of the skin usually around hair follicles characterized by brown scales. Selenium sulfide shampoo obtained by prescription can be applied directly to the infection. Allow the shampoo to sit on the affected area for 10 minutes then rinse out while rubbing vigorously for at least five minutes. Apply once a day for seven days. Do not use selenium sulfide on the genital areas.

    Other Uses

    • There are no other uses for selenium sulfide. It must be kept in a tightly sealed bottle and shaken before use. Pregnant women should not use selenium sulfide as it may have an adverse effect on the baby. Children should not use selenium sulfide without a doctor's prescription. Using selenium sulfide to treat dandruff or tinea versicolor may cause further skin irritation. Selenium sulfide may discolor light or colored hair.

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