selsun blue

Selsun blue

By : wadah fadil

content

1 -selsun history2 -description

3-indication4-pharmacodynamic

5-dandruff6 -tinea versicolor

7-tinea capitis8-mechanism of action9-proper use of selsun

10-general dosing information11-pregnancy & breast feeding

12-absorption13-toxicity

14-safety and hazard

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Selsun Blue is an over-the-counter brand of dandruff shampoo now owned by Sanofi . First made by Abbott Laboratories , the brand was bought by Chattem in 2002. Chattem was acquired by Sanofi in 2010.

Selsun Blue has been marketed as a more effective alternative to brand leader head & Shoulder due to its superior performance in randomized trials

DescriptionSelenium Sulfide is an antifungal agent as well as a cytostatic agent, slowing the growth of hyper proliferative cells in seborrhea. Selenium Sulfide is the active ingredient often used in shampoos for the treatment of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and tinea capitis, a fungal infection that is primarily a disease of preadolescent children.

This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as homogeneous other non-metal compounds.

Indication

For treatment of-: dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.tinea versicolor.tinea capitis.

Pharmacodynamics

Selenium sulfide is an antifungal agent often used in shampoos for the treatment of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Selenium sulfide is highly active in inhibiting

the growth of P. ovale .It is also a proven cytostatic agent, slowing the growth of both hyper proliferative and normal cells in dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.

A 0.6% micronized form of selenium sulfide is also safe and effective for dandruff.

dandruff

Is the shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp . As skin cells die, a small amount of flaking is Normal but large amount of flaking either chronically or as a result of certain triggers which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation.

Dandruff can have several causes, including dry skin, seborrhoeic dermatitis , sensitivity to hair care products , or a yeast-like fungus. Dry skin is the most common cause of flaking dandruff.

Dandruff scale is a cluster of corneocytes, which have retained a large degree of cohesion with one another . A corneocyte is a protein complex that is made of tiny threads of keratin. The size and abundance of scales are differ from one site to another and over time. Parakeratotic cells often make up part of dandruff.

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:Tinea versicolor  is a condition characterized by a skin eruption on the

trunk, Recent research has shown that the majority of tinea versicolor is caused by the Malassezia globosa fungus.

These yeasts are normally found on the human skin and only become harmful under certain circumstances, such as a warm and humid environment.

Tinea versicolor is more common in hot, humid climates or in those who sweat heavily, so it may recur each summer,

This yeast is thought to feed on skin oils (lipids)

Tinea capitis

 is a cutaneous fungal infection of the scalp. The disease is primarily caused by Trichophyton and Microsporum genera that invade the hair shaft.

is typically single or multiple patches of hair loss that may be accompanied by inflammation, and itching.

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In a randomized, clinical trial of 54 pediatric patients with culture-proven tinea capitis, Givens, and Baker (1995) found that when used twice weekly, both the 1% and 2.5% preparations of selenium sulfide shampoos to eliminate the shedding of viable spores. When the 1% and 2.5% preparations of selenium sulfide were compared to each other, there was no difference between the two in the time required to produce a negative culture. This finding led the researchers to conclude that the 1% selenium sulfide shampoo, which is commercially available, is an equally effective but less expensive alternative sporicidal adjunct to the oral treatment of tinea capitis(Medscape).

(http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/707621_6)

Mechanism of action

Topical selenium sulfide may act by an antimitotic action, resulting in a reduction in the turnover of epidermal cells. It also has local irritant, antibacterial, and mild antifungal activity, which

may contribute to its effectiveness .An antimitotic mechanism of action is suggested by data showing that selenium sulfide decreases the rate of incorporation of radioactively labeled thymidine into the DNA of

dermal epithelial cells .

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The following organisms are generally considered susceptible to selenium sulfide in vitro-:

1-Malassezia furfur2-Microsporum sp

3-Pityrosporon sp4-Trichophyton sp.

Selenium sulfide has been shown to be sporicidal to T. tonsurans, the most common etiologic agent of tinea capitis. One in-vitro study demonstrated that 1% selenium sulfide was equivalent in sporicidal activity to 1% zinc pyrithione.

Proper use of selsun

using the 1% selsun shampoo at least 2 times a week.To proper administration of the selsun for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis

Before using—wetting hair and scalp with lukewarm water then applying enough to scalp (approximately 1 or 2 teaspoonfuls) to work up latherAllowing lather to remain on scalp for 2 to 3 minutes then rinsing with water.

If using on blond, gray, or chemically treated (bleached, tinted) hair, rinsing hair well for at least 5 minutes after using selsun to lessen chance of hair discoloration.

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Proper administration of the selsun for tinea versicolor by applying it to affected areas of body, except face and genitals then working up lather using a small amount of water, then allowing medication to remain on skin for 10 minutes and rinsing body well to remove all medication.

The same administration way for tinea capitis treatment as that for tinea versicolor .

General Dosing Information

Selenium sulfide should not be used when acute inflammation or exudate or blister or oozing is present, because an increase in

absorption may occur .

Discoloration of the hair may occur following use of selenium sulfide, especially if used on hair that is light, blond, or gray or on hair that has been chemically treated (i.e., bleached, tinted). The discoloration may be minimized or avoided by thoroughly rinsing the hair for at least 5 minutes after treatment.

Pregnancy and breast feeding

Pregnancy—Studies have not been done in humans. However, problems in humans have

not been documented when selenium sulfide is used on the scalp .

It is recommended that selenium sulfide not be used for the treatment of tinea versicolor in pregnant women.FDA Pregnancy Category C (for tinea versicolor).

Absorption

There is no substantial absorption through intact skin. Absorption has been reported in patients with open lesions on the scalp

Toxicity

No documented reports of serious toxicity in humans resulting from acute ingestion of selenium sulfide, however, acute toxicity studies in animals suggest that ingestion of large amounts could result in potential human toxicity.

Safety and Hazards

Symptoms of exposure to this compound include vomiting, anorexia. It may also cause a garlic odor of the breath, metallic taste, weakness, sweating. Sensitization may occur. Repeated use may cause loss of hair. It may also cause eye injuries. Other symptoms may include skin burns, dermatitis, increased oiliness or dryness of hair.

This compound is highly toxic by ingestion. It is also toxic by inhalation. With this type of compound there is a danger of cumulative effects. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of sulfur oxides and selenium.

Thank you

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