Selenium disulfide – effective against dandruff

Shampoos are available in a wide variety of designs in every drugstore. Often, fragrance or beautifully designed labels decide whether to buy the product, if there are no allergies or scalp problems restricting the choice. People with scalp problems such as dandruff will also find a wide range of effective products – but not all of them are convincing.

Many anti-dandruff agents available in stores or pharmacies contain selenium compounds, often including selenium disulfide – a combination of sulfur and selenium. The yellow-orange to red-brown mixture is not soluble in water. In addition to shampoos, it is also used in other dermatics such as pastes and suspensions.

Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain the dandruff-releasing selenium disulphide as a component in a concentration of 1%. From a concentration of 2.5%, the preparations are only available in pharmacies – this applies above all to pastes and suspensions.

This is how selenium disulfide works

Shampoos with selenium disulfide have keratolytic properties. So they detach the horny cells of the upper skin and ensure a smoother skin surface. In addition, there is a cytostatic effect on the scalp. Dandruff is combated very effectively through increased cell division. Greasy sebum formations also recede.

When used as recommended, itching and burning stimuli should noticeably subside after a short time and the healing process begins. Good to know: Selenium disulfides only have an external effect and are not absorbed into the cell interior. A risk of poisoning is therefore excluded.

Wherever an effect is achieved, side effects usually also appear. If the exposure time is too long or if the product is not rinsed out sufficiently, skin irritation or hair discoloration can occur, especially with gray or blond hair. If the preparations with selenium disulfide are used correctly, however, no major problems are to be expected.

Selenium disulfide – Type of application and concentration are decisive

Shampoos with selenium disulfide are usually available in stores up to a concentration of 2.5%. Whether this concentration is sufficient to solve scalp problems also depends on the correct application and tolerance.

A little patience is required, because the preparation should be used for about two to three weeks up to twice a week in order to achieve the desired effect. If there is no noticeable improvement, it is advisable to see a dermatologist – especially if side effects occur.

Of course, selenium compounds are also important in other areas of application. For example, selenium dioxide can be used as an oxidizing agent for the synthesis of cortisone, as an antioxidant for the production of lubricating oil or in electroplating.

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