Have you noticed greasy yellowish scales on your baby’s scalp? You must be alarmed. Your baby is suffering from a condition called cradle cap which is characterized by crusty scales that look like circular discs on babies’ head. It is actually because of this shape that the condition is known as cradle cap. These scales often show up with dandruff or skin problems like eczema. Your baby might lose hair on and around the areas where cradle cap forms but this hair loss is only temporary.
The scaly and greasy patches can be in red or yellow color and may look like rashes. Babies from three week to two months old are more susceptible to cradle cap. It often goes away as soon as the baby turns one year old. Fortunately it is a curable disease. Cradle cap may be unsightly but it is non-contagious, not a sign of allergy and actually non-itchy. The good news is it won’t even leave any scars behind.
Here are some effective ways of treating cradle cap:
1. Have a proper head wash routine
Most of the time, you can easily resolve the issue of cradle cap by washing the baby’s scalp on a regular basis. Here are some tips on washing the scalp of the babies suffering from cradle cap:
- Wash using a baby shampoo- Make sure you use a regular baby shampoo to wash the baby’s hair properly. Shampooing and rinsing facilitates removal of a lot of scales from the baby’s scalp providing him with relief. Regular shampooing also aids in preventing recurrence.
- Use a brush to loosen the scales- you probably have a soft baby hair brush. It is time to use. Comb the baby’s hair gently using this soft brush. Make sure you don’t exert too much pressure while brushing as it can cause infection in the cracks between the scales.
- Dry using towel and comb: simply pat dry using a towel and use another brush to comb baby’s hair. It is highly recommended that you us different hair brushes before and after the wash. For best result, make use of specialized cradle cap hair brushes.
- Apply oil on the scalp: It is time to use olive oil or baby hair oil. Just take small amount in your hand and rub between the palm of your hands. Then apply it on the scalp. It aids in binding the flaky scale. Let the oil stay for few minute before you brush his hair again.
2. Applying scalp ointments and lotions
The doctor may recommend medicated lotion or scalp ointment to use after hair wash. Apply the ointment as the doctor directs you and make sure that you complete the course. Cradle cap only requires topical application and there is no oral medicine needed.
3. Use the prescribed medicated shampoos
In case the cradle cap comes with fungal infection or dandruff, the doctor will ask you to use a pediatric anti-dandruff or antifungal shampoo. You only have to use such shampoos few times in a week. You can use a regular baby shampoo for other days. If the cradle cap is accompanied by eczema, always talk to your doctor before using any kind of shampoo.
