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GENERIC NAME: SELENIUM SULFIDE - TOPICAL (seh-LEE-nee-um SUL-fide)

BRAND NAME(S): Dandrex, Exsel, Selsun Blue

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat dandruff; a certain scalp infection (seborrheic dermatitis); and for a condition that discolors the skin (tinea versicolor).

HOW TO USE: This medication is for topical use only. Avoid getting this near the eyes. If this does get in the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clear water. Do not use this medication on cut or irritated skin. For use in dandruff or scalp dermatitis, wash hair first with regular shampoo. Shake lotion well. Massage the lotion into wet scalp and allow it to remain for 2 to 3 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and repeat. Begin with 2 applications per week, then reduce to weekly or every other week applications to maintain control. For skin infections, apply lotion to affected area. Lather with a small amount of water. Allow to remain on skin for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat once a day for 7 days. Do not let selenium sulfide touch inflamed, raw skin. Rinse genital areas and skin folds thoroughly after contact with selenium sulfide. 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.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause skin irritation, dry skin, or hair loss. If any of these effects persist or worsen, discontinue use and consult your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Do not use this medication without first contacting your doctor if you have the following conditions: inflamed or damaged skin. 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 use this medication on children younger than two years of age without a doctor's permission. Selenium sulfide should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Jock Itch - Read about jock itch causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. This itchy, contagious skin rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.
  • Tinea Versicolor - Get the facts on tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) causes, symptoms and skin fungus treatment. Over the counter treatments include Selsun Blue and ketoconazole shampoo.
  • Dandruff (Seborrhea) - Dandruff is a form of skin inflammation which has no known cause and can appear at any time, from infancy to old age. Learn more about dandruff symptoms and treatment on MedicineNet.com.

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selenium sulfide-topical, Dandrex, Exsel, Selsun Blue

What is jock itch? What does jock itch look like?

Jock itch is a common, itchy rash of the groin. It can be a very intense itch with or without a visible red or pink rash in the groin folds and genitals. Jock itch is primarily a skin condition in men.

The symptoms of jock itch may come and go, and many cases of jock itch resolve spontaneously without any treatment. Jock itch is primarily seen in the groin, although it may spread to the inner thighs, genitals (including penis, scrotum, labia, and vaginal opening), and anus.

While jock itch is frequently noted in otherwise healthy patients, patients with diabetes and/or obesity are more susceptible. Possible causes of this common groin itch include irritation from tight or abrasive underwear, excess moisture, sweating, skin rubbing or friction, allergic problems, fungal infection, Candida (yeast) infection, and bacterial overgrowth or skin infection.

Treatment of fungal-related ...

Read the Jock Itch article »



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