Scalp discoloration from selenium sulfide shampoo: a case series and review of the literature.

We describe six patients who developed orange to red-brown scalp discoloration after application of selenium sulfide-containing shampoos. This phenomenon has been described only once previously. In all of the cases, the discoloration resolved shortly after discontinuing the selenium sulfide. Lightly swabbing with isopropyl alcohol facilitated removal of the discoloration. This simple technique serves as a painless diagnostic method, which may prevent unnecessary evaluation with a biopsy.