Conflicting Advice Can Get Confusing
Jenn Fisher, who is 40 and lives in Odenton, Maryland, noticed baby acne on her son just a few hours after he was born.
He had a good amount on his face and chest, along with a newborn rash called erythema toxicum neonatorum , which is more of a red, flat, splotchy rash, she says. They were both apparent within hours after his birth, though I understand its more typical to see a few weeks after birth.
Before she even had time to ask about the rashes, her obstetrician brought them up in conversation.
He said it was totally normal as the babys body works through metabolizing the flood of hormones from mom both in the womb and during labor and delivery, Jenn says.
Jenn also discussed the rashes with her sons pediatrician. She says she was feeling overwhelmed with advice from other moms and information shed found online, and she hoped the doctor could give her guidance.
Youll find all kinds of conflicting advice online, Jenn says. Use breastmilk! Don’t use breastmilk! Keep it dry! Moisturize with coconut oil! Cut out dairy! We honestly settled on the do nothing treatment for a while, because all the advice was really overwhelming. But it wasn’t getting better or worse.
Eventually, a friend recommended a plant-based ointment for sensitive skin that contained 1% colloidal oatmeal. It worked to soothe her sons skin.
I don’t believe there are any magic cures, Jenn says. But using once or twice a day did wonders for his skin.
Keep Adult Cradle Cap Under Control
Babies with cradle cap typically grow out of it in a few months. However, if you have adult cradle cap , you probably already know that it can be stubborn. It may come and go for your whole life. The good news is that there are ways to naturally keep it under control! When you wash your hair, use products with coconut oil and scalp-healthy essential oils, like Babo Botanicalss Lice Repel Shampoo and Swim & Sport Shampoo & Wash. And do what you can to minimize stress, stay healthy overall, and be aware of how the weather affects your skin. With the right care, youll be able to manage your dandruff and get on with your life!
Brush Your Babys Scalp With A Soft Brush
For an added bit of prevention and treatment, we suggest brushing your babys scalp with a soft brush while hes in the bath. Any baby hair brush will do a great job at gently removing the scaly skin. Just massage your babys scalp with the brush, but be sure not to pick at the scales .
If you cant get ahold of a soft hairbrush, or if your baby doesnt like it, you can massage his scalp with a terry cloth towel while drying him off.
If your little one has a head full of tangly hair, spray on our Skin Freshener detangling spray to be able to gently comb through their hair.
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Consider A Mild Medical Cream
If regular shampooing does not help, a healthcare professional may recommend a mild corticosteroid cream or specialist shampoo.
Speak to a doctor before using these products because they can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions. Since cradle cap is a benign condition, the risks of these creams may outweigh any possible benefit.
Mild cradle cap does not usually require any treatment. The baby may need to see a doctor if the condition is severe or making them uncomfortable.
Yeast infections can sometimes develop on the affected area. If caregivers suspect the rash has become infected, they should speak to a doctor. Signs of infection include:
- the skin looks red
- the scales start to leak fluid
- the affected area feels warm
- the affected area smells unpleasant
The doctor may prescribe medication to deal with the infection. This might be an anti-yeast cream.
In rare cases, infants who have seborrheic dermatitis all over their body, suffer from diarrhea, and are not putting on weight may have a problem with their immune system. Caregivers who observe these symptoms in a baby should take them to see a doctor.
Cradle Cap: Causes Prevention And The 10 Best Treatment Methods
Welcoming a baby into the world is both a wonderful and confusing time. Along with all the joy and love parenthood brings, there are many concerns youll face once your little one makes their appearance.
Your newborn can develop a number of deficiencies and conditions from eczema to jaundice and you may not know what they are or how to deal with them. One of those Whats this here? conditions is cradle cap.
But before you start to panic and rush your baby off to the emergency room, let the experts at Mustela put your mind at ease about this all-too-common skin condition. Along the way, well answer questions such as:
- What is cradle cap?
- Should you be worried about cradle cap?
- How common is cradle cap?
- Is cradle cap painful or contagious?
- What does cradle cap look like?
- How can you tell cradle cap apart from other conditions?
- What causes cradle cap?
- Are there any tests for cradle cap?
- Does cradle cap have an odor?
- Can you pick your babys cradle cap?
After we answer the most common cradle cap questions, well show you nine ways to prevent and treat this common skin condition.
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What Should I Do If My Baby Has Cradle Cap
If you notice yellow or white patches on your babys scalp, it may be cradle cap. Cradle cap is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that usually goes away on its own within a few months. While its not painful or contagious, it can be unsightly.
There are a few things you can do to help treat cradle cap:Gently brush your babys scalp with a soft brush to loosen the scales. Wash your babys hair with a mild baby shampoo. Apply a small amount of infant oil, lotion, or cream to your babys scalp and massage gently.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing the affected area. If the cradle cap doesnt go away within a few weeks or it seems to be getting worse, talk to your doctor.
Cradle Cap Symptoms And Natural Treatments
Does your beautiful newborn babys head have a patch of skin thats oily or crusty? Thats likely cradle cap and its a very common skin condition also known as seborrheic dermatitis. It can be found on babys forehead, face, behind the ears, in the diaper area, armpits, and other skin folds and creases. Theres no need for concern. Cradle cap usually clears up on its own after a few weeks or months.
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Brush Your Babys Brows
If your baby has flakes or scales on their brows, this tip might be useful. Just like you brush your babys hair every day , youll want to brush their eyebrows to help loosen and remove flakes.
Remember to be gentle and use a soft-bristled brush once per day. In many cases, you can find baby brushes specifically designed for cradle cap that are intended to be gentle and prevent irritation.
Should You Be Worried About Cradle Cap
The simple answer is NO. Its completely harmless, not contagious, and usually disappears by your babys first birthday. One misconception about cradle cap is that its an indication of poor hygiene. This is false.
As youll see in the next few sections, cradle cap is the result of your babys body adjusting to its new environment. Its also important to remember that this skin condition is very common. Doctors estimate that about half of all babies will exhibit some form of cradle cap during their first year of life.
That doesnt mean you should just disregard cradle cap completely. Your babys body will usually work through the problem and stabilize itself on its own. In some rare instances, though, the scaly, irritated patches can get infected. This is most often due to excessive scratching from fingernails, clothing, or bedding. Again, infections are rare, but keep an eye on your babys cradle cap nonetheless.
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What To Avoid When Treating Cradle Cap
Always keep in mind that your babys skin is incredibly sensitive, so when considering your options for how to get rid of cradle cap, its important to avoid using harsh or potentially toxic chemicals.
We understand that reading the ingredient list on a bottle of lotion or baby gel can be pretty overwhelming! To help simplify things, here are four ingredients you should avoid when purchasing baby products. This goes for any babys delicate skin, but especially if your little one has cradle cap!
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Home Treatment Of Cradle Cap
Mild cradle cap usually gets better without treatment after a few weeks. It may help if you:
- Loosen the crusts by massaging the scalp with mineral oil at night, then wash the hair with a baby shampoo the next morning, gently lifting the crusts off with a soft brush . Try this each day until your babys scalp looks clearer.
- Use a mild antidandruff shampoo if the other treatment is not working be careful, these shampoos can irritate a babys eyes more than shampoos made for babies.
The cradle cap can come back, even when treated properly, because the glands continue to produce sebum for several months after birth.
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Natural Adult Cradle Cap Treatment
That brings us to what you really want to know: how to treat your flaky adult cradle cap. There are a number of medicated shampoos on the market, but here at Babo Botanicals, we like to keep things as natural as possible for you and your family! You and your doc should decide together whats best for you, but weve listed a few gentle, natural ways to deal with adult cradle cap below.
Manage Your Environment
Minimizing stress and staying healthy overall may help reduce your adult cradle cap. Getting outside for some sun can also help minimize dandruff. If you do go out in the sun, stay away from sunbathing and stick with sun exposure via fun outdoor activities. And, of course, always apply a safe sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide like Babo Botanicalss Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.We know its easier said than done, but adjusting your diet, reducing stress, and being aware of how the weather affects your skin can aid you in keeping your dandruff under control.
Apply Coconut Oil
You can also try our Miracle Moisturizing Face Cream, which contains coconut oil and is gently formulated for sensitive and extra dry skin.
Use Essential Oils
How Can I Prevent Cradle Cap From Happening
Cradle cap is a common, benign condition that affects newborns and young infants. It is characterized by the development of scaly, yellowishrange patches on the scalp. While cradle cap is not dangerous, it can be quite unsightly.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent cradle cap from developing. First, be sure to gently brush your babys hair every day with a soft bristled brush. This will help to remove any dead skin cells that may be present on the scalp.
Second, use a mild baby shampoo when washing your babys hair. Avoid using any harsh detergents or soap as these can further irritate the skin. Finally, after shampooing, be sure to apply a lubricating lotion or cream to the scalp.
This will help to keep the skin hydrated and free from irritation. If cradle cap does develop, there are several things you can do to treat it. First, try applying a mild overheounter antiandruff shampoo to the affected areas.
Be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use the shampoo as directed. Second, you can try rubbing a small amount of coconut oil into the affected areas. This will help to loosen the scales and make them easier to remove.
Finally, if the cradle cap is particularly stubborn, you may need to consult a doctor or dermatologist for additional treatment options.
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What Causes Cradle Cap
New parents are often alarmed when they see cradle cap on their babys head. While it may look alarming, cradle cap is harmless and usually goes away on its own within a few months. Cradle cap is actually a form of seborrheic dermatitis, which is a type of inflammation of the skin. Its thought to be caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin.
Genetics may also play a role, as people who have a family history of eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis are more likely to develop cradle cap. The good news is that cradle cap is relatively easy to treat. You can try washing your babys scalp with a mild baby shampoo every day. You can also use a soft brush to help loosen the scales.
If these home remedies dont work, your doctor may prescribe a medicated cream or shampoo.
Shampoo The Head Gently
Caregivers can wash the babys hair using a shampoo that contains ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal tar, or zinc pyrithione. These products are available over the counter at most drug stores, or people can shop for baby dandruff shampoo online.
These shampoos may be irritating or drying, so consider using them every few days or even once a week.
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Should You See A Doctor
Cradle cap is often mistaken for eczema, another dry-skin condition. But while eczema can be itchy and irritating, most babies remain blissfully unaware that they have cradle cap. The scaly patches are white or yellow in colour and can be dry or greasy. Cradle cap isnt contagious or associated with poor hygiene, says Julia Orkin, a paediatrician at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and chair of the Canadian Paediatric Societys Community Paediatrics Committee. Its primarily a cosmetic concern, and it usually goes away on its own within a couple of weeks to a few months.
That said, if your babys skin becomes red and inflamed or involves more than the scalp or if your child is unwell or has a fever, Orkin says its time to check with your healthcare provider. Cradle cap shouldnt bleed easily or be extremely itchy, says Ramien. A baby shouldnt be unwell from cradle cap. If symptoms persist and there seems to be no improvement with treatment, I would suggest seeing a doctor becausevery rarelysevere, treatment-resistant cradle cap can be associated with immune system problems.
How Is Cradle Cap Treated
Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants usually clears up on its own in weeks or months. In the meantime, you may want to loosen and remove the scales on your baby’s scalp:
- Wash your baby’s hair once a day with mild, tear-free baby shampoo.
- Gently remove scales with a soft brush or toothbrush.
- If the scales don’t loosen easily, apply a small amount of mineral oil or petroleum jelly to your baby’s scalp. Let the oil to soak into the scales for a few minutes to several hours, if needed. Then use a soft brush or toothbrush to remove scales. Shampoo your baby’s hair as usual.
If regular shampooing doesn’t help, your doctor may recommend a mild steroid cream or antifungal shampoo.
For seborrhea on other parts of the body, your doctor may recommend a mild steroid or antifungal cream.
Do not use over-the-counter steroid or antifungal creams or anti-seborrhea shampoos without checking first with the doctor.
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Natural Fixes For Cradle Cap
You notice a patch of skin on your newborn babys head that looks odd and unattractive. What could have caused your perfect little one to have this imperfection? Did you do something to cause this unsightly patch?
Before you become alarmed, especially if youre new to the parental world, your baby is most likely experiencing cradle cap, which is ultra common and although not visibly desirable, will not cause your bundle of joy any serious discomfort. If your baby was older, it would simply be called dandruff rather than cradle cap.
Often confused with infantile eczema, cradle cap doesnt typically cause significant itching, which often occurs in cases of eczema. Like eczema though, cradle cap is not contagious, and its not caused by poor hygiene. So breath easy and read on to learn how to naturally fix this common problem!
Apply Baby Oil Before Brushing
If brushing your babys scalp with a soft brush doesnt seem to be working, try adding a drop or two of baby oil before you start brushing. Then, while you brush, youll also be working the baby oil into your childs scalp for a boost of healing and prevention. Remember to be gentle so you dont further damage your babys sensitive skin.
The great thing about baby oil is that its multi-purpose! Use it to give your baby a soothing massage, take off your makeup, pull band-aids off, and remove price tag stickers. We told you its useful! Check out our article with 17 Ingenious Ways To Use Baby Oil.
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Natural Cradle Cap Remedies To Avoid
Despite what the list above might make you think, just because a product is free of synthetic chemicals or safe for your adult skin doesnt mean its OK to put on your babys skin.
For example, its never a good idea to apply undiluted apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or essential oils to your babys scalp to treat cradle cap. While these are often touted as home remedies for cradle cap , they can be too strong for your babys skin and can cause irritation. Instead, opt for baby-friendly products like Mustelas Foam Shampoo.
Consult your pediatrician before using any and all products on your baby, since certain brands and ingredients can be toxic when absorbed through your little ones skin. Choose to invest in products that are made with natural ingredients and have been proven as safe for babies ones free from potentially harsh and threatening chemicals.