Is Selenium Sulfide safe during pregnancy?
Dandruff shampoo ingredient. Likely OK in pregnancy if used briefly on limited areas; one old report of reduced milk supply.
PregnancyUse with care
BreastfeedingUse with care
EvidenceLimited
What the sources say
A dermatology review of topical antifungals in pregnancy says selenium sulfide is likely safe but should be used on limited areas for brief periods. For breastfeeding, a 1990 case report described suppression of lactation linked to selenium disulfide, so use it sparingly and rinse well. Limit: scalp shampoo as directed, not as an all-over body treatment.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
selenium disulfide, selenium sulphide, selsun, selsun blue
Sources
- NIH PubMed (peer-reviewed review): Topical antiviral and antifungal medications in pregnancy: a review of safety profiles (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 2017)
- NIH PubMed (case report): Suppression of lactation by selenium disulfide (Int J Dermatol, 1990; case report)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.