If you suffer from skin diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis or fungal acne, you may have heard about the use of Selsun shampoo as a treatment.
However, is this dandruff shampoo efficient for your skin? In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about using Selsun for skin problems.
What are some conditions that Selsun treats?
Selsun shampoo contains selenium sulfide, which is an antifungal agent. It prevents fungus and reduces scalp flaking and itching, which are common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. Others claim that this same ingredient can be used for the treatment of fungal acne, folliculitis, and tinea versicolor.
How Does It Work
Selenium sulfide inhibits the growth of a fungus known as Malassezia. While everyone naturally has Malassezia on their scalp and parts of their bodies, sometimes it grows too much, leading to dandruff and other skin disorders.
Therefore, by restraining yeast multiplication, Selsun combats against certain fungal infections.
Moreover, its antifungal properties make it an excellent cure for stubborn fungal acne. This type of red bumps often resists other treatments due to the overgrowth of fungi in hair follicles. Selsun’s ability to suppress the infection makes it helpful in combating these situations.
How To Use Selsun for Skin
Using Selsun to treat your skin is relatively easy. Apply a quarter-sized amount to the affected areas and let it sit for 5 minutes before rinsing off. Be careful not to let it enter your eyes or mouth.
For example, in the case of body acne, focus on the back, chest, shoulders, and face. Individuals having scalp conditions should apply it all over their scalps. You can shampoo with Selsun every 3-4 days or once directed by your dermatologist.
Benefits of Selsun for Skin
Selenium sulfide offers some benefits when used properly for long-term skin challenges, such as;
- It helps get rid of fungal acne while preventing future breakouts.
- Reduces redness, flaking, scaling and itching
- It is cheap compared to prescribed antifungal drugs
- An over-the-counter product available
- Specifically fights fungal activity on the skin
Keep in mind that results will appear over several weeks of consistent use. Patience is necessary, as selenium sulfide works slowly to control fungus growth.
Potential Side Effects
Selsun irritates some individuals. The possible side effects are:
- Skin irritation, redness, inflammation or swelling
- Dry or flaky skin
- Repeated use of Selsun causes hair discoloration
Try Selsun on a small part of your skin before using it everywhere. If you still have the irritation, then stop using it. This is not for everyone; ask the doctor if you are sensitive to this.
Is Selsun Good For You?
Though promising in treating specific types of fungal infections on the skin, it does not solve all acne problems. It concentrates on the excessive growth of yeast and other fungi. It may not work if you have non-fungal acne or other general skin problems.
Examine carefully your symptoms and diagnosis to see if a fungal infection causes it. If one is unsure about that, they can visit a dermatologist who will give personal advice and recommend treatments that may help them achieve success. However, there are risks attached to the off-label use of anti-dandruff shampoos.
However, for resistant seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff-like scaly patches that appear on the scalp) or folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), antifungal ingredients like selenium sulfide found in products such as Selsun blue medicated shampoo might help. Over time, with trial and error, this could become an essential part of your skincare routine.
