Comparison of 1% and 2.5%
selenium sulfide in the treatment of tinea capitis.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ketoconazole 2% shampoo versus
selenium sulfide 2.5% shampoo in the treatment of moderate to severe dandruff.
The active ingredient is usually pyrithione zinc,
selenium sulfide, a sulfur-salicylic compound, or coal tar--all considered safe and effective by the FDA.
These shampoos contain dandruff fighters such as pyrithione zinc (Head & Shoulders[R]), salicylic acid (Neutrogena T/Sal[R]),
selenium sulfide (Selsun Blue[R]), coal tar (Neutrogena T/ Gel[R]), and ketoconazole (Nizoral[R]).
The product is being positioned as an alternative to shampoos formulated with
selenium sulfide, coal tar and other ingredients, which are effective against severe dandruff but can leave hair dry, damaged and smelling of chemicals.
Friedlander recommended topical
selenium sulfide lotion or ketoconazole shampoos, applied two or three times a week.
Other regimens include using
selenium sulfide shampoo (Selsun) nightly for a few weeks to peel the skin.