Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect fingernails and toenails. Symptoms include discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nail. It can be unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable, making people seek various treatment options.
Selenium sulfide, sold under the brand name Selsun Blue, is a medication primarily used to treat skin conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea versicolor. It’s an antifungal agent, but it’s not typically the first thing that comes to mind for nail fungus.
This article explores whether there’s any potential (or evidence) for using Selsun Blue nail fungus applications as an off-label treatment. It’s important to emphasize that Selsun Blue isn’t a primary treatment for nail fungus, and you should always talk to your doctor before trying it.
What is selenium sulfide?
Selenium sulfide is an anti-infective medication. It treats fungal and skin conditions. It’s available as an over-the-counter shampoo to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
Selenium sulfide is also available in prescription strength to treat a fungal infection called tinea versicolor.
Selsun Blue shampoo typically contains 1% selenium sulfide.
Approved Uses of Selsun Blue
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Selsun Blue for:
- dandruff
- seborrheic dermatitis
- tinea versicolor
Selenium sulfide works for these conditions by reducing the growth of fungus and easing inflammation.
The rationale behind using Selsun Blue for nail fungus
You might wonder why anyone would consider using Selsun Blue, a dandruff shampoo, for nail fungus. Well, Selsun Blue contains selenium sulfide, which does have antifungal properties. So, in theory, it could help inhibit fungal growth on your nails. Plus, the shampoo is easily accessible and might seem convenient to apply topically.
However, it’s important to remember that there’s no scientific evidence to support using Selsun Blue for nail fungus. It’s an unproven treatment, and you should talk to a doctor before trying it.
That said, topical antifungal treatments, in general, can have some benefits. They’re less likely to cause systemic side effects, for example. Still, you should proceed with caution.
How to use Selsun Blue (if recommended by a doctor)
Let me reiterate: Using Selsun Blue for nail fungus is an off-label use. You should only do this under the supervision of a doctor.
If your doctor approves, here’s how you might use it:
- Clean and thoroughly dry the affected nail(s), and consider alternative cleansing methods like a hydrogen peroxide foot soak.
- Apply a thin layer of Selsun Blue to the nail and the skin around it.
- You can cover the nail with a bandage if you want.
- Leave the Selsun Blue on for the amount of time your doctor recommends (for example, 10-15 minutes).
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
How often you apply it will also depend on what your doctor tells you. It may take a while to get rid of the fungus, so be prepared for a potentially long treatment period.
What are the risks of using Selsun Blue for nail fungus?
Even though you’re only applying it to your nails, Selsun Blue can cause side effects like:
- skin irritation
- dryness
- redness
- itching
- nail discoloration
Be sure to keep Selsun Blue away from your eyes, mouth, and broken skin.
Stop using it right away if the irritation gets worse, and talk to a doctor if your symptoms don’t go away or start to worsen.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to Selsun Blue are rare, but they’re possible. Signs of an allergic reaction include:
- rash
- itching
- swelling
- difficulty breathing
If you think you’re having an allergic reaction, get medical help right away.
Alternative and Proven Treatments for Nail Fungus
Let’s be real. Selsun Blue probably isn’t going to cut it for nail fungus. If you’re serious about getting rid of it, here are some better options:
- Prescription Topical Antifungals: Your doctor might prescribe a medicated nail polish containing ciclopirox (Ciclodan), efinaconazole (Jublia), or tavaborole (Kerydin). You paint it on regularly as directed. They’re not as strong as oral meds, but they can work.
- Oral Antifungal Medications: Terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox) are stronger and often more effective. However, they can cause side effects and you’ll need blood tests to monitor your liver.
- Other Treatments:
- Laser therapy: A laser is used to kill the fungus.
- Nail removal: If the fungus is severe, your doctor might recommend removing the nail entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Selsun Blue better than Nizoral for nail fungus?
That’s a tough one! Both Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) and Nizoral (ketoconazole) are antifungal shampoos, but they’re primarily designed for skin conditions like dandruff, much like Johnson’s Foot Soap. While some folks try them off-label for nail fungus, they’re not specifically formulated for that. Their effectiveness for nail fungus is anecdotal, and prescription antifungals are usually more potent.
What happens if I use Selsun Blue every day?
Using Selsun Blue every day could lead to skin irritation, dryness, or even increased sensitivity. These shampoos are potent and designed for occasional use. Overuse can disrupt the natural balance of your skin. It’s always best to follow the product’s instructions or your doctor’s recommendations.
What shampoo is good for toenail fungus?
Honestly, no shampoo is specifically designed or proven effective for toenail fungus. Antifungal shampoos like Selsun Blue or Nizoral might have some effect in preventing spread to surrounding skin, but they won’t penetrate the nail to treat the infection. Dedicated antifungal medications (topical or oral) are your best bet.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
The active ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, have some antifungal properties. Some people report success using it, but it’s considered an alternative or home remedy. The evidence is mostly anecdotal, and it’s not a guaranteed cure.
How long does it take for Selsun Blue to work on nail fungus?
Since Selsun Blue isn’t a standard treatment for nail fungus, there’s no defined timeframe for it to “work.” If you’re trying it off-label, you might see some improvement in the surrounding skin over several weeks, but don’t expect it to eradicate the fungus within the nail itself. If you don’t see improvement, definitely talk to a doctor about other options.
To Conclude
While some people suggest using Selsun Blue for nail fungus, it is important to remember that Selsun Blue isn’t meant to treat nail fungus, and there’s no scientific evidence that it works for this.
If you think you have nail fungus, the best thing to do is see a doctor to find out for sure. A doctor can diagnose the problem and recommend the right treatment for you.
Using Selsun Blue “off-label” could cause side effects or other problems, much like some home remedies. It’s best to stick with treatments that are proven to work and get advice from a healthcare professional about how to manage nail fungus effectively.