Selenium sulfide is a chemical used in lotions and shampoos to treat various skin conditions. It works by reducing fungus on the scalp and preventing the shedding of dead skin cells, according to DermNet NZ. Products containing selenium sulfide are available both by prescription and over the counter. For your safety, always use products containing selenium sulfide exactly as directed on the label or by your doctor.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
The skin condition seborrheic dermatitis can be treated with products containing selenium sulfide. People with seborrheic dermatitis experience skin inflammation, which then causes the skin to flake off in whitish or yellowish scales, according to MedlinePlus. The condition can develop anywhere on the body, but is most common on the eyebrows, eyelids, lips, nose creases and ears. It is typically caused by oily or greasy skin. Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by applying lotions or shampoos to the affected skin and rubbing vigorously to loosen the flaky skin.
Dandruff
One common use of selenium sulfide is to treat dandruff, which causes flaking of the skin on the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis is one possible cause of dandruff, but other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can also lead to dandruff, according to MayoClinic.com. The presence of a yeast called malassezia on the scalp can also cause dandruff. Over-the-counter shampoos containing selenium sulfide are a common treatment for dandruff. It can be used once or twice a week to treat dandruff, according to MedlinePlus.
Tinea Versicolor
Another use of medicinal products containing selenium sulfide is to clear up a fungal skin infection called tinea versicolor. The infection develops when yeast normally present on the skin is able to thrive, creating an overgrowth. When it develops, the affected skin appears patchy and discolored and can be itchy and flaky, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The infection can be treated by applying lotions containing selenium sulfide to the affected skin as directed by your doctor.
Tinea Capitis
Another use of selenium sulfide is treating tinea capitis, a fungal skin infection on the scalp. Tinea capitis is a form of ringworm that most commonly affects children. The infection can cause an itchy scalp and may result in skin lesions and hair falling out in the affected area, according to MedlinePlus. Doctors often prescribe an anti-fungal medication to be taken orally to clear the infection, but may also recommend selenium sulfide shampoos to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the skin.
