How To Treat Cradle Cap Effectively
Cradle cap, the baby version of seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin condition that can develop on the scalps of infants. It’s a fairly common condition that causes rough, scaly patches on the scalp or other areas of the body. Cradle cap can also develop on the skin around the eyebrows, nose, armpits, or groin. It may appear as white or yellow flakes or scales. The causes of cradle cap are unknown, but certain factors like hormones, oily skin, or the growth of a certain fungus can increase the chances of occurrence. The condition is harmless and usually resolves on its own by the time children reach their first birthday. Most cases don’t require intense treatment, but parents should seek medical attention for their child if the rash gets worse, causes irritation, or becomes infected. Discover the simple remedies to try first now.
Wash With Mild Baby Shampoo
Keeping a baby's scalp clean is an important part of treating cradle cap. Wash with mild baby shampoo to help loosen the flakes or scales on the baby's scalp. After wetting the baby's hair and scalp, massage shampoo into the scalp. Parents can use a rag to delicately wash and rub the affected areas. Doctors may recommend adandruff or medicated shampoo to treat the condition. These types of shampoos contain ingredients that can help treat the dryness and flaking of the scalp. Some of them may require a prescription. Parents should check with their baby's pediatrician before using these types of shampoos. In addition, they should find out how often to shampoo their child's hair while treating cradle cap, as shampooing too often can dry out the scalp and worsen the condition.
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Apply Mineral Oil
The thick layer of scales characteristic of cradle cap may not loosen easily. Parents can apply mineral oil to the affected areas by gently massaging it in for about a minute. Allow it to soak into the scalp for up to fifteen minutes before rinsing out. Parents can apply the oil about an hour before washing and brushing their baby's hair. It's important to wash away all the oil from the scalp and hair because oil buildup can thicken the layer of flakes, thereby worsening the condition. Rinse the baby’s scalp well after washing with a gentle shampoo and carefully towel dry.
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Specialized Creams
Treatment of severe cases of cradle cap may necessitate the use of specialized creams. These creams may require a prescription, or they may be available over-the-counter. The doctor will assess the baby's condition upon examination and determine the appropriate treatment. Hydrocortisone or other steroid creams can be used to treat cases where cradle cap develops on various parts of the body or if the skin is irritated. Other types of creams used to treat cradle cap include antifungal or zinc creams. Parents should always consult a pediatrician before using any specialized cream to treat their baby's cradle cap.
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Rub On Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly can be used to loosen the scales caused by cradle cap. Parents can use it to lubricate the area before or after washing their baby’s hair and scalp. Rub on petroleum jelly and let it soak into the scales for a few minutes or an hour, depending on the severity of the condition. Applying a light layer an hour before shampooing can help lift the crusts and loosen scales. It's important to wash off products like petroleum jelly placed on the baby’s scalp to avoid buildup, as too much oil or grease can make cradle crap worse. Placing petroleum jelly on the scalp after washing and brushing the baby's hair is another way of reaping its benefits. Parents should check with a doctor to find out if this is an effective treatment for their baby’s particular condition and if so, which method is best.
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Remember To Be Gentle
Parents or other caretakers of children with cradle cap have to always remember to be gentle and extremely careful when caring for them. Infants are very delicate in general, but the area where cradle cap often occurs has a soft spot called a fontanel. It’s a gap between the bones of the baby’s skull that eventually closes. This soft spot is right in the middle of the top of the baby’s head, so use caution when massaging their scalp or applying any shampoo, oil, cream, or ointment. Caretakers must be very gentle when combing or brushing the baby's hair. They shouldn't scratch or irritate the scalp because they can cause tiny abrasions, which can become infected. They should also avoid prematurely removing the flakes or scales before they’ve become sufficiently detached. They will eventually loosen and fall off with consistent and gentle treatments.