While cradle cap definitely isn't cute, happily it's not permanent, either. Likewise known as seborrheic dermatitis, this skin condition normally begins in the first 3 months of baby'due south life and may linger through the first year (though more often, it runs its flaky form by the time babe is 6 months old).

Fortunately, in most cases cradle cap won't carp baby — and in that location are a few simple steps you lot can take to foreclose and treat it.

What is cradle cap?

cradle cap in babies

Cradle cap is an inflammatory skin condition that appears equally scaly skin that tin exist ruddy (smaller than babe acne) and yellow crusty scales and flakes. It usually starts on babe'south scalp and is sometimes seen on the eyebrows, olfactory organ, neck, groin, armpits and eyelids.

Your baby's cradle cap tin can feel itchy, so without proper treatment some older infants may scratch affected areas, which can lead to redness, bleeding and infection.

What causes cradle cap?

No one knows for sure what causes this harmless skin condition, which tends to run in families. Some experts speculate that cradle cap occurs because a mom's pregnancy hormones remain in baby'due south system for some fourth dimension later birth, causing the sebaceous glands in some infants' scalps to go into overdrive. In plow, these glands produce an oil slick, which traps old skin cells on meridian of babe's head and the surrounding skin, resulting in flakes and rash.

A type of yeast found on the skin may play a role in the development of cradle cap.

How to treat cradle cap

Most cases of cradle cap are mild, with greasy surface scales actualization on the scalp. Different techniques and products work for different babies. Hither are a few to try with your child:

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  • Mineral oil or petroleum jelly: Massage either into baby's scalp to loosen the scales. Follow with a thorough shampoo to remove peel flakes and oil. Avoid olive oil.
  • Brush baby's scalp: Gently utilize a soft brush on baby's scalp a few times a twenty-four hour period, including after shampooing, to loosen upward scales. Be sure to wash the castor daily with soap and water to remove skin and oil rest.
  • Chest milk: Endeavor rubbing a bit of this natural wonder onto the affected area — it may also help ease the flakes.
  • Natural shampoos and treatments: A number of mild, not-medicated shampoos are specifically made for baby cradle cap. Use daily until you don't see scales, so use merely twice a week. In that location are enough of options, then if i product doesn't seem to have whatsoever event on your infant after a week or two of apply, endeavour another.

Treating Cradle Cap

How to prevent cradle cap

Unfortunately, at that place is no way to prevent cradle cap — though there are steps you can accept to lessen the symptoms:

  • The condition usually worsens when the scalp sweats, so keep your infant'southward caput as cool and dry as possible.
  • Forgo a hat unless it'due south sunny or cold out. Remove information technology when you're indoors or in a heated car.

When to call the doctor about your baby's cradle cap

Check with the medico if your babe has a instance that won't respond to any of the to a higher place treatments (with heavy flaking and/or brownish patches and yellow crustiness). Your infant may benefit from the daily use of an antiseborrheic shampoo that contains selenium sulfide or salicylic acid (in that location are some no-tear formulas). Because these shampoos tin irritate a baby's delicate peel, merely use them with your medico'south recommendation.

As well come across your pediatrician if you notice your baby'due south scalp is draining fluid or pus or has become very red — it could indicate a bacterial or fungal infection that requires medication.

The seborrheic rash may spread to the face up or buttocks. In severe cases, your child'south doctor volition likely prescribe a topical cortisone cream or ointment. Make sure to follow all directions for awarding (more is not always meliorate!).