Cradle cap is an annoyance and I know from whence I speak because for several months, my daughter experienced a really retched case of cradle cap. Also know as seborrheic dermatitis, cradle cap is a common condition in young infants. So what is cradle cap? It’s when greasy scales appear on the surface of your baby’s scalp.
You can generally get rid of it with a mild massaging wash when you wash your baby’s hair and the scales will loosen up and fall off. If the case of cradle cap is severe, you may want to use petroleum jelly or mineral oil to massage into the scales and loosen them up prior to washing your baby’s hair and scalp to remove the scales and the excess oil.
There are cases where the cradle cap can get pretty tough and form yellow or brownish scales that are hard and crusty. In those instances, your pediatrician may suggest that you use an anti-seborrheic shampoo that will help remove the deposits of scales. It’s important that you follow the instructions in the use of this type of shampoo or ointment and keep it away from your baby’s eyes.
In the event that treatment worsens the condition, discontinue the use of it and consult your pediatrician again. Most cases of cradle cap will clear up on its own as long as you continue to clean the hair regularly and gently. Heat aggravates the symptoms so don’t necessarily keep a hat on them while they are indoors or in a warm car.
In truly severe cases of cradle cap, it can spread down the face and the neck. Be aware of this and always consult with the pediatrician prior to using homeopathic or other medical remedies for the problem and just because the baby has cradle cap doesn’t mean they will end up with dandruff later in life.
Did your baby have cradle cap?
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