Why do babies have cradle cap

To use this method: Apply a thin layer of oil to the scalp. Gently massage the oil in for about a minute. If your baby still has a soft spot on their head, use extra caution around this area. Leave oil to soak in for about 15 minutes. Wash the oil out with a gentle baby shampoo.

To use this method: Wet the hair and scalp. Massage shampoo into the scalp. Use a baby towel to lather shampoo and gently rub the affected areas.

Apply prescription creams. To use: Dilute 2 drops of essential oil in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. Apply oils to the affected area. Leave on for a few minutes. Comb or brush flakes off. Wash all oils off with shampoo. When to seek help. Cradle cap vs. Parenthood Baby. Read this next. Treating Cradle Cap in Adults. All About Scalp Eczema A dry, scaly scalp might be scalp eczema. Steroid Cream for Eczema: Options and What to Know Topical steroid creams are one of the most commonly used eczema treatments.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Eczema. Home care measures include washing your baby's scalp daily with a mild shampoo. This can help you loosen and remove the scales. Don't scratch cradle cap. If cradle cap persists or seems severe, your doctor may suggest a medicated shampoo, lotion or other treatment.

Cradle cap is the common term for infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It's sometimes confused with another skin condition, atopic dermatitis. A major difference between these conditions is that atopic dermatitis usually causes significant itching. The cause of cradle cap isn't known.

One contributing factor may be hormones that pass from the mother to the baby before birth. These hormones can cause too much production of oil sebum in the oil glands and hair follicles. The medical name for this skin condition is infantile seborrheic dermatitis.

If your baby does get cradle cap, the symptoms will probably start to appear sometime within the first month or second month after being born. The scales may appear in small patches, but sometimes they can cover the whole of the scalp.

As scales flake off, the surrounding skin may look red. If your baby has hair, some of it might come away with the flakes.

This hair loss is only temporary though — those locks will grow back eventually. There may be a chance that this discomfort is caused by a different skin condition like eczema that needs to be ruled out or treated if necessary. Ear infections are the most common reason parents take children to the doctors.

MNT explains ear infections and how to treat them. All you need to know about cradle cap. Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. What is cradle cap? Treatment Causes Prevention Complications Symptoms We include products we think are useful for our readers. How is cradle cap treated? Share on Pinterest Put oils or lotions on before shampoo, to prevent scaling. Causes of cradle cap.

Prevention of cradle cap. Complications of cradle cap. Symptoms of cradle cap. Share on Pinterest Cradle cap is common, but it is not usually a serious condition. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

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