Dryness and itchiness of the scalp are considered symptoms of dry scalp. Aging processes can contribute to dry scalp in many older adults. Treating dry scalp is important to promote the senior’s comfort. Here are prescribed methods for treating dry scalp in the elderly population.
How does aging impact the scalp?
The structure of the scalp and hair naturally undergo changes as part of the aging process. Hair strands, for instance, become lighter in color or thinner with age. The hair follicles of elderly individuals may no longer produce hair and graying hair becomes more advanced.
Elastin and collagen production in the scalp slow with aging. Consequently, the skin on the scalp becomes thinner and is less elastic. Dehydration of the scalp occurs at a faster rate when it is unable to hold moisture. Oil glands produce less sebum, also leading to dryness of the scalp.
What is dry scalp?
When a senior experiences dry scalp, they may complain of itchiness, dandruff, or scaly red patches of skin. Dry scalp is a known medical condition that is extremely common among people of all ages, from young adults to senior citizens.
What causes dry scalp?
Dry scalp can be caused by numerous factors in addition to the aging process. Hair care products, for instance, strip the hair of its natural oils, leaving the scalp dry and irritated. Older people with dry scalp may also have dry skin over the rest of their body.
Weather conditions can be responsible for dry scalp in the elderly. Geographical areas with low humidity and cold climates can leave seniors with a dry scalp. Heredity is also a known factor in the development of dry scalp in the elderly.
Certain medical ailments can cause dry scalp. Chronic skin conditions, like scalp psoriasis, cause inflammation, redness, and flaking of the scalp. Eczema also leads to dry skin as well as the appearance of red, itchy rashes over the older adult’s body and scalp.
What treatments relieve dry scalp?
Caregivers are advised to take the senior to a physician to diagnose the condition causing the dry scalp. Once the root cause of the dryness is determined, an appropriate remedy can be offered. Several common solutions are available to relieve dry scalp in seniors.
Receiving professional medical care is advised if the scalp dryness causes the senior extreme discomfort or interferes with daily activities. Severe symptoms, like bleeding, hair loss, or cracking, also warrant a visit to the senior’s physician. A doctor can pinpoint any underlying medical issue causing the dry scalp.
1. Treat Dandruff
Dry scalp may actually be dandruff. A dermatologist or physician may recommend medicated shampoos, such as pyrithione zinc shampoos that contain antifungal agents, salicylic acid shampoos that heal scales on the scalp, or ketoconazole shampoos that kill fungus living on the scalp.
2. Treat Scalp Psoriasis
If the dry scalp is caused by psoriasis, dermatological treatments include topical medications containing vitamin D, light therapy that exposes the skin to ultraviolet light, and medications (either oral or injected) that suppress the immune system, such as apremilast.
3. Treat Scalp Eczema
An eczema diagnosis may be the cause of a senior’s dry scalp. The dermatologist may then recommend corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or antibiotics to fight skin infections. Alternate treatments include light therapy, cream to control itching and repair skin damage, or wet dressings.
4. Treat Tinea Capitis
An oral antifungal medication can be an effective treatment against tinea capitis. Other approaches the dermatologist or physician may advise include a medicated shampoo, a topical corticosteroid, or a topical antifungal cream that is applied directly onto the dry scalp.
5. Treat Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis may be relieved by topical medications, like fluorouracil or imiquimod. Minimally invasive surgery is also an option, whereby the dermatologist applies liquid nitrogen to freeze precancerous cells on the scalp. Photodynamic therapy is another treatment method for seniors.
How do seniors prevent dry scalp?
A dry, itchy scalp can be prevented or alleviated by making lifestyle changes. Switching to a gentle, moisturizing shampoo can relieve the dryness. Older adults may also opt to wash their hair more infrequently to minimize the chances of hair products drying out their scalp.
Other lifestyle modifications include quitting smoking for seniors who smoke. Aging people are advised to drink more water. Introduce more moisture into the home by running a humidifier. Seniors can also find relief or prevent dry scalp altogether by managing their stress levels.
Dry scalp is a common but highly manageable medical condition. Seniors can treat the itchiness, flakiness, and discomfort by utilizing any of the above methods. When home remedies fail to provide relief, consult a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and medical solutions.
When a condition like dry scalp affects your elderly loved one, they may find relief from the professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care. We can serve them more water, run the humidifier, reduce the number of times they wash their hair, or switch to moisturizing hair care products.
Our caregivers are also available to drive seniors to the doctor’s office to get a diagnosis and treatment for their dry scalp or any other medical condition. Furthermore, we can provide transportation to senior centers, the post office or group exercises classes to keep them connected with the community.
Care services are comprehensive. Our non-medical support also includes healthy meal preparation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, light housekeeping, and medication reminders. Companionship from our caregivers is a great way for them to stay socially engaged and reduce the stress of loneliness.
Elder care from Assisting Hands Home Care delivers all the support seniors need to comfortably age in place. As a result of living at home, the elderly remain close to family, friends, and their community. The resulting confidence and well-being enhance their quality of life.
Incorporate senior home care from Assisting Hands Home Care into your aging loved one’s routine. Our services are geared toward improving care recipients’ physical, emotional, and social health. We are privileged to serve The Villages, Florida. Call us at (352) 758-4512 to schedule an in-home consult and learn more.
