Topical Route: Medicated Shampoo

Medicated Shampoo: Refers to shampoos that require a prescription or may be purchased over-the-counter. Medicated shampoo may be used for skin conditions affecting the scalp (e.g. psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or a fungus called Malassezia), and contain drugs used to treat the skin condition.

CSS Considerations:

  • As per the CNO, medications administered via the topical route are not a controlled act. Therefore, nurses do not need to delegate topical medication administration to PSWs.
  • Allow the client to do as much as they can independently.

PSW Considerations:

Report to the office at 416-635-2860 if the client has signs of:

  • Pain
  • Tenderness
  • Hair loss/ hair thinning
  • Weak hair and breakages
  • Persistent itchiness on scalp
  • Broken skin/ bleeding
  • The client has lice

Required Supplies:

  • Medicated shampoo
  • 2 Bath towels
  • Client’s clothing
  • Soap and water (hand hygiene)
  • Gloves
  • Plastic gown (optional)

Procedure for administering medicated shampoo:

  1. Check the care plan via your mobile device.
  2. Verify it is the right client before beginning the treatment.
  3. Gather and set up all the necessary supplies for the client’s shower.
  4. Wash hands thoroughly with soap. Put on gloves.
  5. Assist the client with a safe transfer onto the bath chair.
  6. Wet the client’s scalp and hair.
  7. Apply the medicated shampoo onto the client’s scalp with gloved hands.
    a. Place one hand on the client’s forehead to prevent shampoo from getting into the client’s eyes.
    b. Using the other hand, gently rub all areas of the scalp for approximately 1 minute.
    c. Leave the shampoo on the client’s scalp while you assist with washing the rest of the client’s body.
    d. Rinse the scalp thoroughly after washing the body.
    Note: Rinse the shampoo off immediately after washing the scalp if instructed to do so by the client, CSS, doctor, or pharmacist.
    e. Repeat shampooing of the scalp if instructed to do so.
    Note: If the client missed a dose of the medicated shampoo, do not use two doses at once.
  8. Support the client with a safe transfer out of the shower.
  9. Remove gloves. Wash hands thoroughly.
  10. Support the client with getting dressed.

How to Wash the Client’s Hair in Bed

Video Resource

Please click on the video below for a visual demonstration of the procedure:

References:

Canadian Red Cross. (2011). Instructions for care and use of a bath shower chair.
https://www.redcross.ca/crc/documents/How-We-Help/Community-Health-Services-in-Canada/Instructions-for-care-and-use-of-a-bath-shower-chair.pdf

CareChannel. (2019, August 28). How to assist someone with a shower [Video].
YouTube. https://youtu.be/awrSKeHYTOM

Hanes, E. (2021, July 10). Medicated shampoos: Why they’re used and how they work.
https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/skin-hair-and-nails/medicated-shampoos-why-theyre-used-and-how-they-work

Nursing Times. (2019, May 28). Procedure for washing patient’s hair in bed.
https://www.nursingtimes.net/roles/hospital-nurses/procedure-for-washing-patients-hair-in-bed-28-05-2019/