Cradle Cap
Cradle cap
(also known as
infantile or neonatal seborrhoeic dermatitis) is
a very common condition causing crusting, scaling & yellow
discolouration on the scalp.
It is most common in the
first three months of the baby's life.
The exact cause of cradle cap isn't known
although it is believed it may be the result of over
active sebaceous glands. This may be caused by
hormones from the mother that are still
circulating in the baby causing the oil glands
to over produce.
What are the
symptoms of cradle cap?
Symptoms of cradle cap include;
-
Scaling
-
Crusting
-
Yellow
discolouration
-
Redness &
inflammation
How long does it
last?
Generally cradle cap should resolve itself
within a short period of time, usually by the
time your baby turns one. It can remain in
toddlers & older children although it is not all
that common. My 4.5 year old still has a little
cradle cap.
Cradle cap
treatment:
Daily washing with a mild baby shampoo & using
the methods below;
-
Take a soft
baby brush & during hair washing, gently
brush the affected area in small circles.
Rinse hair as usual.
-
Gently rubbing
the crusts during daily hair washing to
loosen. If you can not remove the crusts
with gentle rubbing, try applying baby oil
or olive oil (other oils you can use include
sweet almond, apricot or wheat germ oil) to the scalp,
leave overnight & then wash your baby's hair
with baby shampoo the following morning.
-
Make a paste
of water & bicarbonate of soda. Apply to the
scalp for 10 minutes & rinse off.
If
the condition worsens after trying any of the
above methods, discontinue treatment & seek
medical advice immediately.
When to see the
doctor:
Generally, cradle cap is not harmful however, if
you the above methods are not working or
you notice any redness & inflammation,
blisters or itching please see your baby's
doctor immediately as the area may have become
infected.
Your doctor may recommend the following;
-
Anti dandruff
shampoo.
-
Medicated
shampoo containing ketoconazole.
-
Corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation.
-
Antibiotics to
treat bacterial infections.
If
other parts of the body are affected also seek
medical help.
Also see:
Dandruff
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
medical professional & should not be considered a replacement for a
dentists visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate medical advice for any problems.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice.
