When we think of a baby, we instantly imagine a tiny little cutie in our arms, exuding a wonderful and unique scent. But these little cuties need lots of care to always stay clean and fresh, just as every baby should. These cares include their hair and scalp, which need to be properly treated, and even then, they’re not always immune to cradle cap1. Cradle cap, also commonly known as baby dandruff or, by pediatricians, as seborrheic dermatitis, is a very common condition in babies. It appears in the oilier regions of the body and is produced by the sebaceous glands2, which release a large amount of oily secretion that causes crusts on the baby’s scalp.
Cradle cap does not appear due to poor hygiene, and it can show up in places other than the head. There are cases where the crusts extend to the ears, eyebrows, and nose. It’s not contagious, but it can be very uncomfortable for the baby, as it may cause itching and irritation. That’s why the sooner you treat cradle cap, the less discomfort your baby will experience. Treatment is simple and can be done daily without major issues. With a little mineral oil or an appropriate oil for babies and a cotton ball, spread the oil over the entire area affected by cradle cap.
Let it sit for a few minutes so the crusts can soften. If the crusts are too thick, you can also use liquid petroleum jelly with a towel to soften them even faster. When you notice they are soft, wash the baby’s head with a preferably neutral shampoo and use a soft-bristled comb. Comb in all directions gently so you don’t hurt the baby’s scalp. Don’t forget to rinse your baby’s head thoroughly to remove any residue left on the hair. The procedure should be repeated at least three times a week to keep the scalp perfectly clean.
Cradle cap usually occurs in the first days of life and tends to persist, on average, until nine months old. However, if after all the recommended care the problem continues to get worse, causing a lot of irritation for your baby, consult a pediatrician who will assess the situation and indicate the appropriate solution.
Seborrheic Dermatitis on the Face
As we’ve mentioned above, babies can have dermatitis on their heads and on some other oily areas. But there are more severe cases where seborrheic dermatitis affects the face of the baby or child, causing significant irritation and discomfort3. The treatment for removing it is similar to the one for the scalp: use mineral oil or baby oil with a cotton ball to moisten the crusts, but as this is a delicate area, the crusts should be removed during bath time gently with your fingertips. After the bath, dry with a soft towel, carefully so you don’t hurt the baby.
A very important warning is never to remove the crusts using your fingernails, as this can make the problem worse and cause a skin infection. Some cases get so severe that they only resolve with the use of antibiotics and low- or medium-potency corticosteroid creams. Remember, any medication, whether oral or topical, should only be used with a doctor’s prescription after assessing the case.
See also: Baby Skin Allergy – What Could It Be?
Photos: Amber Davis, christina rutz
