Selsun 2.5% Suspension

Selsun 2.5% Suspension is a medicated topical suspension containing selenium sulfide 2.5%, an antifungal and antidandruff active ingredient used to treat conditions caused or worsened by the yeast Malassezia (Pityrosporum), such as seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp (dandruff) and tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor), a common fungal skin condition causing patchy discoloured areas, typically on the trunk. It works by reducing the growth of the yeast responsible for these conditions and helping to normalise flaking and scaling of the skin and scalp.

Selsun 2.5% Suspension is a well-established, long-used product and, despite its higher-than-typical-OTC concentration, DoctorOnCall confirms that no prescription is required to purchase it in Malaysia. It is intended for topical use on the scalp or affected skin areas only, following the directions on the packaging or a pharmacist’s advice, and is not for internal use or use on broken skin.

Selenium sulfide has antifungal and cytostatic (cell-growth-slowing) properties that reduce the proliferation of Malassezia yeast on the skin and scalp, while also slowing the excessive turnover of skin cells that contributes to flaking, thereby reducing dandruff, scaling, and the discoloured patches seen in tinea versicolor.

Shake the bottle well before use, then apply Selsun 2.5% Suspension to wet hair and scalp or affected skin, massage gently, leave on for the time stated on the packaging (commonly several minutes), then rinse thoroughly with water. For scalp use it may be used as a shampoo-like treatment, while for tinea versicolor on the body it is typically applied to the affected area and left on before rinsing, as directed on the label or by a pharmacist.

For dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis, Selsun 2.5% Suspension is commonly used two to three times a week, or as directed on the packaging, with frequency reduced once symptoms are controlled. For tinea versicolor, it is typically applied to affected areas of the trunk and limbs, left on for the recommended contact time, and repeated over consecutive days or as advised by a pharmacist or doctor.

Use Selsun 2.5% Suspension before the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton. Discard the product if it develops an unusual smell, separates abnormally, or if the expiry date has passed.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the bottle tightly capped after use. Keep out of reach of children.

• Known hypersensitivity to selenium sulfide or any ingredient in the suspension
• Use on broken, inflamed, or acutely infected skin
• Application near or in the eyes, mouth, or genital area
• Not intended for use on infants without medical advice

• Concurrent use of other medicated shampoos or topical antifungal treatments on the same area without pharmacist advice
• Hair colouring or chemical hair treatments, as selenium sulfide may affect colour or treatment results if used too close together

• Shake well before each use to ensure even distribution of the active ingredient
• Avoid contact with the eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if accidental contact occurs
• Rinse thoroughly after the recommended contact time to reduce skin irritation
• Discontinue use and seek pharmacist or doctor advice if irritation or unusual hair loss occurs
• For tinea versicolor, colour changes in the skin may take some weeks to fade even after the fungal infection has cleared

Selsun 2.5% Suspension is one of the more established selenium sulfide-based antidandruff and antifungal products, and although some markets treat higher-strength selenium sulfide products as pharmacist-only, DoctorOnCall’s own listing for this product does not require a prescription. Users with persistent, widespread, or worsening symptoms should still seek pharmacist or doctor advice to confirm the diagnosis before use.