MIL gets her hair done weekly, same salon for 25 years. Recently, her head itches excessively. Grateful for ideas to minimize her scratching.

Find out if the salon has recently switched shampoo or conditioner brand.

We can develop allergies (or sensitivities) at any point in our lives.

I agree with BarbBrooklyn to ask the salon about any change in product.

Good Morning,

Make sure your loved one's iron or any type of electrodes are where they should be. This would be a blood test, I hate to have the elderly go for unnecessary blood draws.

It could be an oxygen problem, etc. Earlier this Summer I had itching like you couldn't believe. I am in my late 50's. I thought it my new shampoo or perhaps, a hair color.

Turns out, I was persistent for a scrip for blood work and my iron was so low I had to go immediately to the ER for iron infusion. No more itching. Anemia can cause this. They check me for an "Occult Bleed" basically a stool test and I had iron infusions plus I am on a high level of Ferrous Sulfate on-going. It takes (3) months to restore. I am fatigued.

The doctor's think my Celiac Disease (allergic to gluten) may have caused this. This is just my story but potassium levels, iron deficiency--anything like that in the elderly can affect their oxygen and blood flow. I would have some blood work done along with what the other people suggest on this forum.

I hope I was of some help.

A few years ago I had terrible intertrigo (skin fold rash) and saw a Dermatologist. While there, I also had the itchy, incredibly painful scalp sores I've had for several years. Diagnosis-Atopic Dermatitis and a some staph on my scalp. Prescribed me Clindamycin topical solution for 2 weeks. I get flare ups often & certain shampoos, soaps,lotions make it worse. Might be worth a trip to the Dermatologist. Some OTC preparations make it worse. Good luck

Check side-effects of meds, especially any new meds she’s taking. Stop meds, if itching is a sign of a bad reaction: ask doctor what to do.

The comment that we can develop allergies (or sensitivities) at any point in our lives is true. A dermatologist tested 70 antigen spots on my back that I could not see, and that were covered. They checked days later and then again after that to see the areas that still had welts. I had developed true allergy to some fragrances. I already knew through trial and error, that I now needed to use fragrance free products after many years of having no trouble with them at all! This can apply to anyone, including our loved ones who are now dementia and/or Alzheimer's patients.

Also, psoriasis and eczema can cause itching and can develop later in life.

Cocomae: Ask the salon if perchance they've switched products. She could have developed an allergic reaction if they have done so.

My mom took her own shampoo (actually it was left with the hairdresser with her name on it).
Have you checked her scalp for rashes or (god forbid) head lice?

If it were me I would wash my scalp and hair at home with the same shampoo that has not given me problems and see if it goes away. If it doesn't by the next hair appointment I would speak with the salon and if there were no changes to their shampoo and the issue continues I would go to a dermatologist.

Also check if bed bugs, mosquitoes, insects, are biting her scalp. Also see dermatologist if necessary.