heic dermatitis. However, some experts do not consider it normal for cradle cap to occur anywhere other than the scalp (10) as it could be eczema, and the baby should be checked by a doctor immediately.
- Itchiness and irritation in cradle cap: Remember, cradle cap is not itchy, and the baby will appear comfortable. Skin irritation and itchiness are signs of eczema, a condition that may look like cradle cap, but is serious.
- Swollen scalp: If the cradle cap swells then it could be an infection in the underlying layers of skin. The swelling is often accompanied by severe hair loss.
- Blood or yellowish discharge from cracks in the crust: Babies who already suffer eczema can develop cradle cap complications such as bleeding and yellow fluid discharge from the scales. The serious symptom indicates severe infection and leads to cracks in the skin.
A doctor will look for these symptoms while diagnosing the condition. Treatment is essential.
How Is Cradle Cap Treated?
Treatment of cradle cap is simple but depends on the severity of the condition. You can administer it at home after pediatric consultation.
1. Have a head wash routine:
Most cases of regular cradle cap are resolved by washing the baby’s scalp properly and regularly. Here is how you must wash the scalp when the infant suffers from cradle cap:
- Loosen scales with a brush: Use a soft, baby hair brush to comb the infant’s hair gently. Do not use excess pressure while you brush and do not pick the scales to loosen them. It may lead to an infection in the cracks between the scales.
- Apply oil to the scalp: You can use regular baby hair oil or olive oil. Use a small amount since its purpose is to help bind the flaky scales. Leave the oil for a couple of minutes before brushing the hair again.
- Wash with baby shampoo: Use a regular baby shampoo to wash the baby’s hair thoroughly. Shampooing and rinsing help remove a lot of scales from the baby’s head thus providing relief from cradle cap.
- Dry with towel and comb: Dry the scalp by patting a towel and using another brush to comb the infant’s hair.
Maintain different hair brushes for brushing your little one’s hair before and after a wash. You can use specialized cradle cap hair brushes to get better results.
If the cradle cap is accompanied by any other condition, then you may require a particular type of shampoo.
2. Use medicated shampoos as prescribed:
If cradle cap is accompanied by dandruff or fungal infection, then the doctor will prescribe a pediatric anti-fungal or anti-dandruff shampoo. Such shampoos are recommended for use only a few times in a week. For other days, regular baby shampoo can be used. In cases of cradle cap with eczema, use a shampoo only after consulting the doctor.
3. Applying scalp ointments and lotions:
The doctor may prescribe a medicated scalp ointment or lotion after hair wash. You should use the ointment as directed and complete the course of treatment. There is no oral medicine required for cradle cap and topical application of medicated lotions will suffice.
Periodic washing of the infant’s hair is the best home remedy to prevent cradle cap. Regular shampooing prevents recurrence too. Taking good care of your baby’s scalp would help them be seborrhea-free.
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