Seniors need to navigate a long list of changes as the years pass by, including changes in their scalp such as increased dryness and itching. While this might not seem like a big deal, seniors’ general comfort and well-being depend on having a healthy scalp. The good news is that with the support of home care providers and loved ones, seniors can incorporate a strategy that helps them improve their scalp health.
Recognizing Age-Related Changes in the Scalp
The scalp naturally produces less oil with age. This reduced oil production may result in a dry scalp that feels flaky or itchy. In addition, scalp health is affected by hormonal fluctuations and other age-related medical issues. Understanding how these things might affect seniors’ scalp health is key to family and home care providers helping them feel more comfortable.
Advice for Avoiding Dryness
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a few things that home care services and loved ones can encourage seniors to do to make the most of scalp health and possibly avoid dryness. Those tips include the following:
- Selecting the Correct Shampoo: Seniors should choose hydrating shampoos that don’t include any harsh sulfates. Sulfates can increase dryness by removing natural oils from the skin. Instead, they should focus on products that have natural oils, glycerin, and aloe vera as moisturizing elements.
- Regular Conditioning: Using a quality conditioner is essential to preventing dryness as it seals in moisture after each shampoo. A good tip for seniors is to allow the conditioner to sit on their hair for a few minutes before rinsing it out.
- Avoid Hot Water: While it might feel good on tired muscles, seniors should steer clear of hot showers for both the health of their skin and scalp. Like sulfate, hot water can increase dryness, so it’s best to use lukewarm water to keep a good balance of moisture in seniors’ hair.
- Use a Humidifier: Dry indoor air can also cause scalp dryness, particularly throughout the winter. A humidifier can help reduce this risk by adding moisture into the air.
Controlling an Itchy Scalp
Home care providers can also help seniors control an itchy scalp by using the following tips and tricks:
- Avoid Scratching: This sounds easier than it truly is. However, scratching aggravates the scalp and increases itching. Seniors can try using a calming cream or seeing a dermatologist about the desire to scratch.
- Choose the Right Ingredients: To relieve irritated scalps, seniors should look for shampoos containing chamomile, witch hazel, or tea tree oil. These ingredients can reduce discomfort because of their anti-inflammatory qualities.
- Focus on Cleanliness: It’s important for seniors to keep their scalp clean. However, they shouldn’t wash it too much due to removing its natural oils. In general, they should only wash their hair two to three times a week, depending on the scalp’s particular needs.
Proper scalp care is crucial for keeping seniors’ scalps healthy. By following the tips and tricks suggested above, seniors may prevent and manage common issues like dryness and itching with the help of home care professionals and loved ones. Adopting these habits can result in healthier scalp health, which increases seniors’ overall health and well-being.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Roxborough, PA, please contact the caring staff at Better Care Home Health Services today at (267) 766-5218
Better Care Home Health Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Philadelphia, Germantown, Glenside, Elkins Park, Bryn Mawr, Roxborough, Wyncote, Broomall, Upper Darby, Yeadon, Lansdowne, Narberth, Wynnewood, Penn Wynne, Fairmount, Ardmore, Chestnut Hill, and the surrounding areas.
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Better Care Home Health Services is a family-owned agency dedicated to providing excellent and comprehensive home health care to individuals and families of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties. We are honored that God has blessed us with the opportunity to positively impact and change people’s lives. It is our mission to ensure that we provide the very best of care to our clients.
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