If you’re a new parent, you may be wondering what that crusty, scaly stuff on your baby’s head is. Don’t worry, it’s not a cause for alarm. That’s just cradle cap, and it’s a common condition that affects nearly half of all infants.
While it may look unsightly, cradle cap is harmless and usually clears up on its own within a few months with our guide on how to get rid of cradle cap.
Still, we know that you want your little one to be as comfortable as possible. So in this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to get rid of cradle cap.
But first, let’s take a closer look at what cradle cap is and what causes it.
What is cradle cap?
Cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis, which is a type of skin inflammation. It appears as crusty, yellowish scales on the scalp and can also affect the eyebrows, eyelids, and nose.
While cradle cap is most common in infants, it can also occur in adults and children. The exact cause of cradle cap is unknown.
However, it’s believed to be caused by an overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands.This excess oil can cause the dead skin cells on the scalp to stick together and form patches of scale.
How to get rid of cradle cap?
There’s no need to be alarmed if your child has cradle cap. In most cases, it will go away on its own within a few months.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help speed up the process and soothe your baby’s discomfort.
Here are four tips for getting rid of it:
- Gently brush your baby’s scalp with a soft-bristled brush or washcloth before shampooing to loosen the scales.
- Wash your baby’s hair with a mild baby shampoo or dandruff shampoo containing ketoconazole or selenium sulfide.
- Be sure to use a shampoo that has been tested for safety in infants and follow the directions carefully.
- Apply a lubricating lotion or cream containing linoleic acid or mineral oil to your baby’s scalp after shampooing to help loosen the scales.
Talk to your doctor about prescription treatments such as antifungal creams or shampoos if home treatment doesn’t work after several weeks.
Conclusion
To sum it up, if you’re dealing with cradle cap, don’t worry—you’re not alone! This common condition affects nearly half of all infants and usually goes away on its own within a few months.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to help speed up the process and soothe your baby’s discomfort. We hope these tips were helpful!
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
