Our skin is the largest organ in our body. To keep it healthy and nourishing, we need to feed skin-enriching food to our bodies. However, several times, it is not entirely in our hands to take care of it. Multiple environmental factors can affect your skin.
One of them is skin fungus. Out of the millions of species of fungi, about 300 can cause infection in humans. There are several reasons why a person can get skin fungal infection – your living environment, antibiotics, medical treatments, proximity to pets, etc. Even if you are completely healthy, you can get a fungal infection.
While fungal skin infections are common, they are extremely annoying and uncomfortable. There are different over-the-counter skin fungal treatments on the market. One of them, which is quite popular and effective, is Selsun Blue.
In this blog, let’s understand what Selsun Blue is and how effective it is for treating fungal infections.
What is Selsun Blue?
Selsun Blue is a common trade name for selenium sulfide. It is a chemical compound that acts as an anti-infective agent when used as a medication. Being an anti-fungal medication, it prevents fungus from growing on your skin.
The over-the-counter Selsun Blue products contain 1% selenium sulfide as its active ingredient. With its expansion, the brand has added multiple active ingredients other than selenium sulfide, such as pyrithione zinc 1%, salicylic acid, botanicals, and vitamins B5 & E.
One of the many fungal infections is tinea versicolor. It is a condition where your skin gets discolored. The Selsun Blue Balanced Treatment can treat tinea versicolor along with dandruff and seborrhea.
How to Use Selsun Blue for Skin?
Selsun Blue is only meant for topical use. You can use it externally on your skin. Here is how you can use it safely –
- Remove any jewelry in the concerning body part before using Selsun Blue.
- Shake the product well before the application.
- Take the product and apply the recommended amount to the infected area. Use just your fingertips to spread the product.
- Add a few drops of water to form a lather.
- Leave the product on the skin as it is for about 10 minutes.
- Wash your hands or fingers properly since you used them for product application.
- Wash off the product.
Follow the instructions as prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist for its usage. Do not leave this product on your skin for a longer period than recommended. Also, ensure the quantity of the product is just as much as directed. Do not, in any case, over-apply the product. Also, strictly avoid using the product over the infected area if your skin is broken or inflamed. It can cause swelling, burning, or irritation.
If your skin infection does not improve despite using Selsun Blue regularly for recommended days, you should consult your doctor.
Warning and Side Effects
If you are meeting a healthcare professional or a doctor for your skin infection, tell them about all of your medical conditions, allergies, and medications you use. Also, avoid using any other topical medications at the same time as you are using Selsun Blue. If a medication can’t be avoided or needed, talk to your doctor.
If you are allergic to selenium sulfide, do not use Selsun Blue. Pregnant women should also avoid using it. It is not clear whether the treatment can harm the unborn baby. Hence, talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy while using this medication. Again, it is not clear if the selenium sulfide can pass through breast milk or not. Hence, if you’re breastfeeding a baby, specify it to your doctor.
A child younger than 2 years should not use Selsun Blue without a doctor’s consultation. Also, keep your Selsun Blue medication away from the kid’s reach. Remember, you should not share your medication with others unless prescribed by the doctor.
At times, Selsun Blue can also cause unwanted side effects. If you see any signs of an allergic reaction, get emergency medical help immediately. The reaction could include hives, difficulty in breathing, and/or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you find unusual or severe blistering, itching, redness, peeling, dryness, or irritation on your skin, you should consult your doctor.
Benefits of Selsun Blue for Skin
Here are a few more benefits of Selsun Blue –
1. Treats Skin Thickening
Hyperkeratosis is a skin condition where the outermost layer of the skin starts to thicken. It mostly affects the palm and sole area. While there have not been many studies done on the subject, a few research suggests that the topical application of Selsun Blue medication can treat it. The treatments promise a steady yet sustained response.
2. Treats Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a skin condition that causes red pitches with yellow-gray scales on the face, scalp, upper chest, and back. According to research, a 0.5% to 2.5% concentration of selenium sulfide can help with the treatment of the skin condition.
3. Treat Pityriasis Versicolor
A fungus called Malassezia furfur causes pityriasis versicolor. It is a skin condition and fungal infection that causes hyperpigmented and hypopigmented scaly patches on the skin. Limited research shows that the topical application of selenium sulfide can treat this skin condition effectively. However, there have also been reports of adverse side effects. Hence, do not use it without the consultation or supervision of the doctor.
4. Treat Rashes
As mentioned earlier, selenium sulfide is an anti-fungal agent and prevents fungal growth on your skin. Based on this characterization, several experts believe that the regulated use of Selsun Blue can treat skin rashes. However, do not use the product on the infected area before consulting a dermatologist. It can cause side effects because of your skin type or other medications.
Selsun Blue is an effective skin fungal treatment that promises to deliver the best results when used as prescribed. While it can cause side effects, you can take necessary precautions to prevent them.
