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.

Discover the next option for treating cradle cap now.

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.

There are even more simple ways to treat cradle cap. Keep reading to learn about them now.