selenium disulfide

Selenium disulfide is an **inorganic compound** used as a topical medication, primarily indicated for the treatment of **dandruff**, **seborrheic dermatitis**, and **tinea versicolor**. It works as a **keratolytic**, antifungal, cytostatic, and antimitotic agent by slowing down the growth and turnover of epithelial cells and inhibiting the growth of Malassezia fungi involved in these skin conditions. Its antifungal mechanism may involve interference with the cellular oxygen-eliminating systems of fungi, leading to increased reactive oxygen species and fungal death. It is most commonly formulated as shampoos and lotions, with concentrations ranging from 1% to 2.5%, and is available as both over-the-counter and prescription products. Selenium disulfide was first approved for medical use in 1951 and is on the WHO List of Essential Medicines. It is not considered safe for children under 2 years of age, and evidence for its use in pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited. Its use is mostly restricted to topical application, as systemic absorption is minimal unless applied to damaged skin[1][2][3][5][6].

Brand names

Selsun BlueDandrexSelsun Blue 2 in 1Selsun Blue Balanced TreatmentSelsun Blue Medicated TreatmentSelsun Blue Moisturizing TreatmentSelsebSelrx

Other names

selenium sulfideselenium disulphideselenium sulphideselenium sulfide, micronizedselenium sulphide, micronizedselenium(IV) disulfideselenium(IV) disulphideselenium(IV) sulfideselenium(IV) sulphideSelenii disulfidum