In this article, we read about How to get rid of the cradle cap?
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The cradle cap
The cradle cap is a rash typical of infants, occurring in the first weeks of life. Typically, it presents with scabs on the head, but the problem tends to resolve itself quickly. To facilitate the removal of scales, oily products or emollient creams can be used.
1. What is the cradle cap
A cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis that affects the skin of the infant. The name does not derive from an effect linked to milk consumption but simply from this condition affecting children who still feed on milk. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by increased sebum (i.e., fat) production by the pilosebaceous glands, which are particularly abundant in somebody regions.
2. How the cradle cap manifests itself
With small yellowish and greasy scabs or scales on the baby’s head, but can also extend to the forehead, eyebrows, area behind the ears, nose. The scales adhere well to the skin. Generally, there is no itching, which can, however, occur in more severe forms.
The appearance of the baby’s head covered in scales is not beautiful, but the good news is that it is not a disease. It is simply a relatively common condition in newborns, which goes away on its own in many cases. Only if it persists for a long time can it signify a predisposition to psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
3. When the cradle cap appears
Cradle cap can occur in the first weeks of life (usually in the second-third month) up to the sixth month. After the fourth to the sixth month to get rid of the cradle cap, it generally tends to regress.
4. Why does the cradle cap come
The cradle cap is due to an increase in secretion from the sebaceous glands. In most cases, it is an idiopathic condition. It is not linked to any specific cause, but sometimes it can be one of the first signs of psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
On the other hand, there is no correlation between cradle cap and breastfeeding or allergies to cow’s milk proteins, as certain popular beliefs say. Cradle cap is not contagious.
5. Is there a cure for cradle cap?
No, cradle cap is a benign condition that does not require any treatment. It is generally only an aesthetic problem, which does not cause any disturbance to the infant.
6. Remedies and valuable tips for when the baby has a cradle cap
Here is a list of helpful remedies and tips to follow when your newborn has a cradle cap:
- Wash your hair every 2-3 days with an oil-based cleanser or enriched with emollient substances or with specific shampoos that prevent milk crust;
- After washing, wipe the skin with a cotton ball soaked in almond, olive, or calendula oil to dissolve the sebum and soften the scales. Alternatively, you can use a specific emollient cream for the treatment of cradle cap;
- Never ‘scratch’ the scabs with the comb or your fingers, as the skin could become irritated. It is possible to facilitate the removal of already detached scales with a soft brush.
In the most severe forms, it is advisable to consult the specialist doctor, who may recommend cortisone-based creams to be used locally.
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