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Selenium Sulfide description. Selenium sulfide ( se-LEE-nee-um SUL-fide) 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). In the United States, the 2. 5% strength is available only with your doctor's prescription. The 1% strength is available without a prescription; however, your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of Selenium Sulfide for your medical problem. Selenium sulfide is available in the following dosage form: Topical Lotion (U.S. and Canada)
Why prescribed Selenium Sulfide. 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. Selenium Sulfide is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. How used Selenium Sulfide. Selenium sulfide comes in a lotion and is usually applied as a shampoo. As a shampoo, selenium sulfide usually is used twice a week for the first 2 weeks and then once a week for 2, 3, or 4 weeks, depending on your response. For skin infections, selenium sulfide usually is applied once a day for 7 days. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use selenium sulfide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor. Do not use Selenium Sulfide if your scalp or the skin area to be treated is cut or scratched. Avoid getting selenium sulfide in your eyes. If the medication gets into your eyes accidentally, rinse them with clear water for several minutes. Do not leave selenium sulfide on your hair, scalp, or skin for long periods (e.g., overnight) because it is irritating. Rinse off all of the lotion. Do not use Selenium Sulfide on children younger than 2 years of age without a doctor's permission. To use the lotion as a shampoo, follow these steps: Remove all jewelry; selenium sulfide may damage it. Wash your hair with ordinary shampoo and rinse it well. Shake the lotion well. Massage 1-2 teaspoonsful of the lotion into your wet scalp. Leave the lotion on your scalp for 2-3 minutes. Rinse your scalp three or four times with clean water. Repeat Steps 4, 5, and 6. If you are using selenium sulfide before or after bleaching, tinting, or permanent waving your hair, rinse your hair with cool water for at least 5 minutes after applying selenium sulfide to prevent discolored hair. Wash your hands well and clean under your nails to remove any lotion. If your doctor tells you to use the lotion on your skin, apply a small amount of water with the lotion to the affected area and massage it to form a lather. Leave the lotion on your skin for 10 minutes; then rinse it thoroughly. Some brand names: - Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment 2 in 1 (Persistent Dandruff Shampoo plus Conditioner in One) Formula Dandruff Lotion Shampoo - Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment Conditioning Formula Dandruff Lotion Shampoo - Head & Shoulders Intensive Treatment Regular Formula Dandruff Lotion Shampoo - Selenium Sulfide - Selsun - Selsun Blue - Selsun Blue Dry Formula - Selsun Blue Extra Conditioning Formula - Selsun Blue Extra Medicated Formula - Selsun Blue Oily Formula - Selsun Blue Regular Formula |