How long do I leave Selsun Blue on my skin?

Selenium sulfide kills certain types of fungi or yeasts called dermatophytes, including one called Pityrosporum (Malassezia). Overgrowth of this fungi on the skin is involved in causing seborrhoeic dermatitis, dandruff (which is a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis) and pityriasis versicolor. Using Seleneium shampoo reduces numbers of these fungi on the skin so helps clear up these conditions.

Selenium also slows down the turnover of cells in the top layer of skin, which reduces flaking, scaling and itching.

Who shouldn't use Selsun shampoo?

• Children under five years of age.
• People who are allergic to any ingredient of the shampoo.

What should I know before using Selsun shampoo?

• Selsun shampoo may discolour gold, silver or other metallic jewellery, so it's important to remove all jewellery before using the shampoo.
• Selsun shampoo should not be applied two days before or after dyeing, tinting or permanently straightening or perming the hair. Make sure that Selsun shampoo is thoroughly rinsed out of the hair before any such hair treatments are carried out.
• Don't apply the shampoo to broken or very inflamed areas of skin.
• Don't leave the shampoo in contact with the hair or skin for longer than recommended, as irritation, burning sensation or blistering may occur.
• Do not use the shampoo more often than recommended.

How do I use Selsun shampoo?

• Shake the bottle of shampoo well before using. Take care to avoid getting the shampoo in the eyes.
• To treat dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis affecting the scalp, Selsun shampoo should be used twice a week for two weeks and then once a week for the next two weeks. After this you should only use it as often as necessary to control the condition.
• Selsun shampoo should be applied liberally to wet hair. Use enough shampoo to form a lather and leave it in the hair for three minutes before rinsing off thoroughly.
• 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. Diluting the shampoo with a small amount of water before applying it can reduce any irritation to the skin.

Can I use Selsun shampoo while pregnant or breastfeeding?

• There is no information available about the safety of using Selsun shampoo during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Although it's unlikely to be harmful, the manufacturer states it shouldn't be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should get advice from your doctor before using Selsun if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What are the possible side effects of Selsun shampoo?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects associated with Selsun shampoo. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using the shampoo will experience that or any side effect.

• Skin irritation or burning sensation.
• Skin blistering may rarely occur, particularly if the shampoo is left on for longer than recommended.
• Oiliness or dryness of scalp and hair.
• Increased hair loss.
• Hair discolouration.
• Allergic reactions such as a rash or hives. Stop using the shampoo and get medical advice if you think you've had an allergic reaction to it.

Read the leaflet that comes with the shampoo or talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Selsun shampoo. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?

Selenium sulfide topical (for the skin) is used to treat dandruff, seborrhea, and tinea versicolor (a fungus that discolors the skin).

Selenium sulfide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue) used for?

• Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Tinea Versicolor

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to selenium sulfide.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether selenium sulfide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether selenium sulfide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Selenium sulfide topical should not be used on a child younger than 2 years old without a doctor's advice.

User Reviews & Rating

Overall rating for Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue)

1.0

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Easy to Use

Effectiveness

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using selenium sulfide and call your doctor if you have unusual or severe blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, or irritation of treated skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

C

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether selenium sulfide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether selenium sulfide topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue)?

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, nose, mouth, rectum, or vagina. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use selenium sulfide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or broken skin.

Avoid covering treated skin areas with tight-fitting, synthetic clothing that doesn't allow air circulation. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of cotton and other natural fibers until your infection is healed.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue)?

Use Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Use this medicine exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Shake the selenium sulfide foam, lotion, or shampoo well just before each use.

Wash your hands after applying the foam or lotion.

Rinse the shampoo thoroughly. Do not leave it in your hair for an extended period of time. Selenium sulfide topical shampoo is generally not for daily use. Follow the directions on the label, or your doctor's instructions.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cleared.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using selenium sulfide topical.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or other dressing unless your doctor has told you to. A light cotton-gauze bandage may be used to protect clothing.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the foam canister away from open flame, and do not puncture the can.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue)?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Selenium Sulfide Topical (Selsun Blue), call 911

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Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health. Read more

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