How to Get Rid of Cradle Cap

One of the common medical conditions which occurs in infancy is cradle cap. It is characterized by the formation of oily, scaly patches on the baby's scalp. This condition has another name to it - 'infantile seborrheic dermatitis'. Although the symptoms may seem intimidating for parents, the condition is not a serious one. Cradle cap is known to be a self-resolving infantile medical condition, which disappears within a few months. Simple measures, when taken at home, can help improve the symptoms. If the symptoms seem persisting, then parents may be recommended to use medicated shampoos or lotion.

What Signs are Indicative of Cradle Cap?

Cradle cap manifests itself in the form of buildup of sticky skin oils, patchy scaling and formation of thick crusts on the scalp. The oily skin may be covered with scales which may be white and flaky. Dandruff can also be present and this might be accompanied by redness, and sloughed skin cells. Apart from the scalp of the baby, such scales may also be present on other parts of the body, such as, the eyelids, ears, nose and groin area. One thing that is noticeable is, itching is not a symptom of this condition. And that is the reason why, all such symptoms do not bother most babies. Also, it does not spread from one baby to another.

What Causes the Disease?

Experts have not been able to determine the exact cause of this condition. However, they regard hormones to be one of the contributing factors to this scalp problem. These hormones may pass from the mother to the baby. Another assumption is related to yeast infection.

Managing Cradle Cap

As I have mentioned already, cradle cap treatment for babies is usually not necessary, as the condition resolves on its own. However, parents can still try a few home remedies which would help in causing the symptoms to resolve faster. This would include washing the baby's hair, using a mild shampoo and a soft brush, once a day. The brush is to get rid of the scales. Do not forget to rinse well and towel dry the head.

Rubbing the baby's head with baby oil or mineral oil, also helps in loosening scales and getting rid of them. If all these do not produce any results, then get your baby a medicated shampoo after consulting a pediatrician. Such shampoos normally contain agents which help in dissolving the scales and smoothening the skin. The doctor may recommend the use of hydrocortisone to deal with the redness and inflammation.

Some helpful tips:

• First you would have to massage the baby's head with the baby oil. Do this for 10 - 15 minutes. This, as mentioned above, helps loosen the scales and flakes.
• Now using a new, soft-bristled brush, gently rub the flakes and scales away. It is better if you wet the baby's scalp before you beginning brushing.
• Once done with the brushing, you have to now wash the baby's head using a mild shampoo and rinse well. Dry the scalp gently.

These steps are generally good enough to manage the symptoms of cradle cap. But, if they are not helping, then you take your baby to a pediatrician. Experts recommend washing the baby's hair every few days, and using a mild shampoo. In most cases, it helps in preventing the condition.