Scalp Health and Ageing: When to Seek Medical Shampoo Treatments
When we talk about ageing and skin health, we often focus on the face, hands, or legs — but the scalp is skin, too, and it’s often overlooked in everyday care routines.
As we age, scalp health can shift dramatically. Dryness, itchiness, flaking, sensitivity, and even scalp infections become more common, particularly for older adults or those in residential or home-based care. These issues aren’t just cosmetic — they can lead to discomfort, poor hygiene, and even skin breakdown if left untreated.
And while gentle shampoos may help in mild cases, sometimes the solution calls for something stronger: a medical shampoo formulated to treat the root cause.
How Scalp Health Changes as We Age
Ageing doesn’t just affect our joints, memory, or skin — it also impacts our scalp, often in ways that go unnoticed until they start to itch, flake, or feel sore. Just like the rest of our skin, the scalp becomes thinner, drier, and more sensitive over time — and those changes can lead to discomfort or make common scalp conditions harder to manage.
According to MedlinePlus, as we age, our skin produces less natural oil (sebum), which contributes to both dry scalp and brittle hair. Combine that with reduced blood circulation and years of sun exposure, and the scalp becomes more vulnerable to irritation, inflammation, and even skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis.
Meanwhile, hair itself changes too. As outlined in Healthline, older adults often experience:
- Slower hair growth
- Thinner or finer hair strands
- Scalp visibility due to hair loss or thinning
- Greater sensitivity to haircare products
And when the hair thins, the scalp is more exposed — meaning it’s more likely to show signs of damage, dryness, or reaction to fragrances and chemicals found in everyday shampoos.
A recent study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (PMC) also notes that ageing scalps are more prone to microinflammation and barrier dysfunction, which may lead to increased itchiness, flaking, and sensitivity — even in people who never had scalp issues before.
The result?
An itchy, irritated scalp that doesn’t respond to your usual shampoo routine — and that might need a little extra help to stay calm, clean, and healthy.
In some cases, everyday care won’t cut it — and that’s when medical or therapeutic shampoos come into the picture.
As Real Simple explains, using medicated scalp products can relieve symptoms like persistent flaking, itchiness, or discomfort, especially when standard over-the-counter shampoos no longer work.
When Is It Time to Consider a Medical or Therapeutic Shampoo?
In aged care and older adults, scalp problems are often dismissed as “just dry skin” or “a bit of dandruff.” But when the scalp becomes persistently flaky, itchy, sore, or visibly inflamed, it’s often a sign of something more — and ageing skin may need more targeted support than a standard shampoo can offer.
As WebMD explains, ongoing irritation that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter care can point to underlying conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, or eczema. These issues are especially common among older adults due to slower cell turnover, reduced oil production, and thinner skin — all of which make the scalp more prone to discomfort and infection.
Why Ageing Scalps Need a Different Approach
A healthy scalp supports healthy hair and overall comfort — but ageing scalps are more likely to:
- Dry out quickly, leading to tightness and flaking
- React negatively to fragrances and common detergents
- Mask symptoms of fungal or inflammatory conditions, as sensitivity can dull over time
According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD), medical shampoos play a key role in managing inflammatory scalp disorders — many of which become more pronounced with age, medication use, or reduced personal hygiene due to mobility challenges.
Key Ingredients That Support Older, More Sensitive Scalps
As outlined in Healthline and Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, the right ingredients make all the difference — particularly when choosing for fragile, thinning skin:
- Coal tar & salicylic acid: Help reduce scaling and are especially useful for older adults managing seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis.
- Zinc pyrithione: Soothes inflammation and fights fungal overgrowth — ideal for age-related scalp flare-ups.
- Fragrance-free bases: Essential for ageing scalps prone to dryness or contact dermatitis.
- Ketoconazole: Fights yeast-related causes of flaking and itching in seborrhoeic dermatitis — which often worsens with age-related immune changes.
The National Eczema Society also highlights that older individuals are more likely to experience seborrhoeic dermatitis due to changes in skin barrier function and microbiome balance — making medical shampoos a core part of management.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
If an older adult’s scalp shows signs of:
- Persistent or worsening flaking
- Crusting, bleeding, or raw patches
- Pain, odour, or sensitivity to touch
…it’s time to check in with a GP, pharmacist, or dermatologist.
They can help determine whether a medicated shampoo, topical treatment, or prescription antifungal is the right next step.
Gentle Shampoos for Older Adults
When it comes to treating ageing scalps, it’s not just about what removes flakes — it’s about what soothes the scalp, restores balance, and protects fragile skin over time. Whether you're managing seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, or just chronic dryness, the right shampoo can make all the difference in day-to-day comfort and long-term scalp health.
Here are some products trusted in aged care and home support settings:
1. Sebitar Scalp Treatment
Targeted relief for inflamed, itchy, and scaling scalps
If you're supporting someone dealing with seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis of the scalp, Sebitar shampoo is a go-to therapeutic option. Its blend of pine tar, coal tar, and salicylic acid works to reduce inflammation, relieve itchiness, and gently exfoliate built-up skin — all without drying the scalp further.
Why you’ll love it:
- Helps manage visible flaking and underlying inflammation
- Gentle, soap-free, and suitable for daily or as-needed use
- Formulated for scalp conditions common in older adults
- Leaves the scalp clean without stripping natural oils
Especially beneficial for those with recurring scalp issues that haven’t responded to regular shampoos.
2. QV Gentle Shampoo
A moisture-boosting option for dry or sensitive scalps
Designed for daily use on sensitive, dry, or fragile scalps, QV Gentle Shampoo provides a hydrating cleanse without the harshness of soap, fragrance, or colourants. Its dermatologist-recommended formula supports the natural scalp barrier — perfect for those with age-related dryness or a history of scalp irritation.
Why you’ll love it:
- pH-balanced and free from irritating ingredients
- Glycerin-enriched to retain moisture
- Leaves hair clean, soft, and manageable
- Ideal for maintaining scalp comfort between medicated treatments
A great maintenance shampoo for aged care residents or those with recurring sensitivity.
3. TENA ProSkin Shampoo & Shower
All-in-one care for fragile skin and hair
If you're after convenience and scalp care in one, TENA’s dual-purpose Shampoo & Shower gel simplifies hygiene routines for older adults with limited mobility or complex care needs. It’s enriched with provitamin B5 and designed to cleanse both skin and hair without drying, making it gentle enough for frequent use.
Why you’ll love it:
- Designed for elderly, fragile skin
- Leaves hair soft and easy to comb
- Dermatologically approved and pH-balanced
- Lightly scented for a clean, fresh feeling without being overpowering
Especially useful for in-home carers, personal support workers, or residential facilities needing a safe all-in-one solution.
Treating the Scalp with the Same Care as the Skin
Scalp health in older adults isn’t just about managing flakes — it’s about comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Whether you’re supporting someone through seborrhoeic dermatitis, chronic dryness, or age-related sensitivity, the right scalp care routine can make all the difference.
When gentle shampoos aren’t enough, therapeutic or medical shampoos can help manage inflammation, reduce discomfort, and restore the scalp’s natural balance — without adding unnecessary stress to daily care.
Need Help Finding the Right Scalp Treatment?
Come visit us at our Epping showroom. Whether you’re a carer, aged care professional, or just shopping for a loved one, our team can help you choose the right scalp support products — from medicated shampoos to gentle cleansers for everyday use.
Platinum Health Supply Group
Unit 2/51 Trafalgar Road, Epping VIC 3076
Monday to Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Prefer to shop online? Explore our full range of shampoos and conditioners at platinumhealthsupply.com.au — with fast, Australia-wide shipping.
Because every scalp deserves care — no matter the age.
Important Disclaimer
This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is based on publicly available health resources and clinical care guidelines.
Platinum Health Supply Group is not a medical provider, and this content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you or someone in your care is experiencing persistent scalp irritation, flaking, discomfort, or signs of infection, please consult a GP, dermatologist, or qualified healthcare professional. Always follow medical guidance before introducing therapeutic shampoos or scalp treatments — especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions or sensitive skin.
