Baby Dandruff: Signs Symptoms Causes And Treatments
Young children have extremely delicate, sensitive skin. This makes it easy for their skin to become dry and irritated. When dry, flaky skin develops on an infants head, its known as baby dandruff.
While baby dandruff can look like a serious condition, its actually nothing to be alarmed about. Many babies develop dandruff at some point during their infancy. Its not a sign of poor hygiene or any kind of illness. Baby dandruff normally goes away within a week or so.
In this post, the baby experts at Mustela will go over the signs, symptoms, and causes of baby dandruff. Then well explain eight easy ways to care for your little ones dry scalp.
Complications Of Cradle Cap
Sometimes the skin under the cradle cap can become infected, or eczema can develop underneath it.
Both of these conditions should be treated by a doctor, who may prescribe a course of antibiotics or an antifungal cream or shampoo, such as ketoconazole. A mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone may be recommended for an inflamed rash.
Causes Of Baby Dandruff
The very short explanation is that dry skin causes baby dandruff. But this raises the question: what causes the dry skin that leads to baby dandruff?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to dry skin and, thus, baby dandruff. Here are a few examples:
- Sunburn on your babys scalp
- Using a harsh shampoo or too much shampoo
- Not rinsing your babys head well enough after shampooing
- Extreme weather
- Excess sebum on your babys scalp
Some medical experts also believe that a yeast called malassezia may lead to baby dandruff and cradle cap. This has not yet been confirmed by research.
Its also important to note that other skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can sometimes contribute to baby dandruff.
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Cradle Cap Shampoo #: Apple Cider Vinegar Elixir
Apple cider vinegar is a miracle worker for so many things, and cradle cap is no different. Its probiotic and antifungal to help balance out the scalp naturally.
- 2 TB raw apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup filtered water
How To Get Rid Of Dandruff At Home
Dandruff can lower your self-confidence and therefore it is necessary to take care of it before it gets worse. To get rid of this itchy and flaky substance, you need to get certain ingredients ready and apply them according to the methods given below.
Mehndi
It is an age-old method that works miraculously. Mehndi or henna naturally has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that keep our scalp cool and clean. It helps to get rid of dandruff at home. It is found easily in your neighbourhood otherwise there is a dry henna powder available in the market.
Methods to apply:
- Take mehndi powder and mix it with curd and lemon juice.
- Mix well to have a thick and smooth paste.
- Leave this mixture in an iron vessel overnight or for 8 hours.
- Apply it to your hair and keep it for at least 2 hours and let it dry. Then rinse it well.
You can do this method twice a week for better results but do not do it regularly.
Coconut with lemon
Coconut oil is said to have great nourishing properties and lemon is a good source of vitamin C therefore when we combine these two ingredients it helps us to cure and get rid of dandruff and also smoothens our hair.
Method to apply:
- You need to heat the coconut oil and then mix it with lemon juice in equal parts.
- Then you need to massage it over your scalp thoroughly.
- Keep it for at least 20 min then wash it off properly.
Fenugreek seeds
Method to apply:
Neem juice
Methods to apply:
Curd
Buttermilk also works well if curd is not available.
Methods to apply:
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How Long Does Cradle Cap Last
The duration of cradle cap depends on several factors, Oza says, but in most cases it gradually goes away during the first year of life. That said, the condition can sometimes persist beyond babys first birthday. Heres what can determine how long cradle cap lasts:
Severity of the condition. While the vast majority of cradle cap cases are mild and completely harmless, severe cradle cap can sometimes occur, which may develop into a fungal infection. A pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist should have a look and will likely prescribe a low-strength steroid cream.
How the scalp is cleansed. Most cases dont require much in the way of cradle cap treatment, but Mackler says regularly cleansing and brushing babys scalp can resolve it more quickly. Shampoo babys scalp every day and use a soft brush to try to remove scales and excess buildup, she says. With cradle cap, you dont want to let the scales accumulate, because the buildup can cause the condition to get worse. If youre dealing with a relatively mild case, its fine to stick to babys normal bathing and grooming routinejust be sure youre using gentle bath products made just for babies.
Level of scalp irritation. If theres one big no-no, Oza says, its scratching or picking at babys cradle cap rash . This can irritate your childs scalp and lead to an infectionwhich, in turn, would take longer to heal.
What Are The Signs Of Cradle Cap
- Redness, and crusty brown or yellow scales on the scalp that resemble fish scales.
- Scales feel fragile and flaky, or waxy and greasy, to the touch.
Note: Cradle cap is seborrheic dermatitis that is limited to your babys scalp. If your baby has redness and scaling on their eyelids, in the folds of their neck and armpits, behind their ears, and on their face and diaper areas, this is called seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea and should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider.
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When To See Your Healthcare Provider
Consult your provider if shampooing doesnât help, if the cradle cap seems severe, or if itâs also present on your babyâs face or body. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a medicated shampoo or cream, or an anti-fungal treatment if your little oneâs cradle cap doesnât go away on its own.
Cradle cap can look a little concerning at first, but it will clear up in time. Following the tips above as well as some general baby skin care tips can help ensure your babyâs skin is protected and healthy.
To get rewards for all your purchases, including the baby wipes youâll be using to keep your little oneâs skin clean, download the Pampers Club app today.
See all sources
Home Remedies For Dandruff
There are some home remedies that might improve dandruff symptoms. Most of them are items you might have in your pantry. You can try applying them to your scalp and see if they help, though you should stop using them if you notice any irritation.
Some popular home remedies for dandruff include:
- Baking soda: Apply baking soda to wet hair. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Apple cider vinegar: Mix vinegar with equal parts water. Apply it to your scalp and allow it to sit for up to an hour, then rinse.
- Coconut oil: Apply several teaspoons of coconut oil to your scalp. Let it sit for up to an hour. Remove it with shampoo.
- Aloe vera: Massage a small amount of aloe into your scalp before washing your hair.
- Olive oil: Massage a few drops of olive oil into your scalp at bedtime and cover with a cap overnight. Shampoo normally in the morning.
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What Are The Disadvantages Of Helmet
10 Disadvantages of wearing helmet?
- #1. Helmet makes more risks.
- #2. Helmets cause discomfort.
- #3. It is difficult to carry the helmets.
- #4. Not clean vision and hearing.
- #5. Can cause skin infections.
- #6. Wearing a helmet messes the hair.
- #7. Feels like a weight in the head.
- #8. Helmets cause ear pain.
Does wet hair cause dandruff?
Though sleeping with wet hair wont give you a cold, Dr. Shah says that it does increase your risk of developing a fungal infection of the scalp. Fungi, such as Malassezia, can lead to conditions like dandruff or dermatitis, according to Shah, who recommends going to sleep with dry hair when possible.
Ways To Get Rid Of Cradle Cap For Good
Toss the hats! Your babys crusty, scaly scalp is harmless, but it can also be hard on the eyes. Luckily, there are effective ways to treat cradle cap.
Grown-ups get dandruff, babies get cradle cap. Both conditions are due to a harmless and common skin issue called seborrheic dermatitis, which causes rough, scaly patches and flaky skin on the scalpnot really what you want when youre showing off your beautiful newborn to friends and family. Unfortunately, most babies get cradle cap, and it usually appears between one and three months of age, says Michele Ramien, a paediatric dermatologist and clinical associate professor at the Alberta Childrens Hospital in Calgary.
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Cradle Cap: What You Should Know
My baby looks like he has dandruff. Is it cradle cap?
is a common skin condition among newborns. Babies with cradle cap will have yellow scales and crusts that look like dandruff on the scalp. The scales can be greasy or dry. Cradle cap can begin in the first two to six weeks of life and is not usually seen past six months of age. It is not painful or itchy, and it is probably caused by hormones the baby received from mom at the end of pregnancy, which overstimulated the babys oil producing seborrheic glands. Cradle cap is not contagious and does not recur. Along with cradle cap, there can be redness behind the ears, in body creases and in the diaper area. If the areas are raw and painful, contact your pediatrician for further guidance about home care.
Cradle cap is harmless and usually clears within two weeks of treatment, but can last for months without treatment. Unless the cradle cap is bothersome to you, it is perfectly okay to leave it alone. If you choose to treat it, buy an anti-dandruff shampoo at the drugstore and wash hair twice a week. Daily use of anti-dandruff shampoo is not approved for children under 2 years of age, but twice a week is fine, even for infants. While the hair is lathered, massage the scalp with a soft brush or a rough washcloth for five minutes .
Symptoms Of Cradle Cap
Cradle cap usually looks like a pale yellow, oily or waxy scale or crust at the back or on the top of your babys head. Sometimes the scale can spread to your babys eyebrows and behind their ears. Some babies even get it on their torsos.
The scale or crust is difficult to peel off. Underneath the scale or crust, you might notice inflamed or irritated skin. On children with lighter skin, the inflammation might look red. On children with darker skin, the inflammation might look brown, purple or grey.
Cradle cap wont bother your baby because it isnt itchy or painful.
If the rash is itchy and doesnt go away, it might be eczema.
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Cradle Capon Your Babys Bum
In some cases, cradle cap might even extend to your babys bottom. You might mistake it for diaper rash, and its best to treat it the same way: Keep the skin clean and dry, use plain water or mild wipes, and apply a gentle diaper cream or lotion. But since so many things can cause a diaper rash, its best to ask your doctor.
How Can I Get Rid Of Dandruff
If you’ve ruled out problems such as ringworm, sunburn or lice, and your child does have a mild case of dandruff, you might try brushing her hair before shampooing and washing it daily with a mild shampoo to remove the excess flakes.
If that doesn’t do the trick, try using an over-the-counter antifungal shampoo containing selenium sulfide and/or zinc pyrithione. If that doesnt help, you might try a medicated dandruff shampoo that contains salicylic acid. More severe cases may require a prescription antifungal shampoo.
Use the antifungal or medicated shampoos as directed. You may want to use a gentle shampoo on the other days, at least until the condition has improved. Avoid greasy or oily hair conditioners and styling products they’ll make the dandruff worse.
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How To Get Rid Of Dandruff 9 Effective Ways
Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2022
Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes flakes of skin to appear on the hair and shoulders. Its not contagious, but it can be embarrassing and difficult to get rid of. While there are many commercial products available to treat dandruff, they can be expensive and contain harsh chemicals. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to get rid of dandruff that is just as effective as store-bought products.
So, if you are struggling with an itchy or flaky scalp, what are some of the best ways to get rid of dandruff?
Here are 9 effective ways to get rid of dandruff that you can easily do at home:
Give Your Baby A Head Massage
Massaging the little ones head will detach the flaky and dead skin making it fall off. The skin that has flaked off will then be replaced with your babys newer and healthier skin cells. As your infants skull is not fully developed, so you have to be extra cautious while touching your babys head. Make sure you do not apply any pressure or press down with your fingers.
Baby dandruff does not necessarily develop into cradle cap. There are cases when it may just remain its most basic state. Moreover, it does not cause your baby any pain or discomfort. In case, it does not go away in a week, make sure you consult a doctor.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4852869/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788265/
Hope this article was of help for all our parents!! Please share your comments/queries/tips with us and help us create a world full of Happy and Healthy Babies!!
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Taking Care With Shampoos
Shampoos are available over the counter at pharmacies to loosen cradle cap. Check the patient information leaflet before you use these for any ingredients your child is allergic to, and follow the instructions carefully. You should avoid getting any in your babys eyes as these shampoos are stronger than baby shampoo. Speak to your pharmacist for advice. If the shampoo or other treatments worsen the condition, stop the treatments and see a doctor as your baby may have eczema.
Shampoos that contain ground nut oil or peanut oil are best avoided in children under 5 years old.
Preventing Dry Scalp In Babies
Preventing dry scalp in babies ultimately depends on the underlying cause, and its important to follow your treatment plan from your childs pediatrician. As a rule of thumb, you can try the following preventive measures to help keep your babys scalp healthy:
- wash and dry your babys hair regularly, using lukewarm water
- gently brush your babys scalp and hair every day
- use fragrance-free shampoos, lotions, and detergents only
- avoid any known allergens, such as pollen and dander
- keep your baby out of excessively warm or dry weather conditions
- dress your baby in layers so they dont sweat
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Is Cradle Cap Contagious
If theres a baby in your moms group with a nasty bout of cradle cap, dont fret. Even in the most severe cases, the condition is not contagious. Thats great news, right? The not-so-great news is that theres also no way of preventing cradle cap. Its just a normal developmental issue, Oza says.
When To Call The Doctor About Your Baby’s Cradle Cap
Check with the doctor if your baby has a case that wont respond to any of the above treatments . Your baby may benefit from the daily use of an antiseborrheic shampoo that contains selenium sulfide or salicylic acid . Because these shampoos can irritate a babys delicate skin, only use them with your doctors recommendation.
Also see your pediatrician if you notice your babys scalp is draining fluid or pus or has become very red it could indicate a bacterial or fungal infection that requires medication.
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
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