Infection And Cradle Cap
Sometimes, the skin under the crusts of cradle cap can become infected. The skin becomes redder and small blisters appear, and then pop and weep. This is caused by the same germs that cause impetigo .If this infection spreads, or your baby becomes unwell, make sure that you have your baby checked by a doctor. Your baby may need antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Unlike cradle cap, impetigo is highly contagious.
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.
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What Causes Dry Scalp In Babies
One of the most common types of dry scalp seen in babies is related to a condition called cradle cap. Its also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis.
Though the exact cause isnt known, cradle cap is thought to be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Its also sometimes caused by the overgrowth of Malassezia fungi in sebum underneath the skin.
Cradle cap causes thick, oily patches on the scalp that may range from white to yellow in color. If your baby has cradle cap on the scalp, they may also have these patches in other oily areas of the body, such as their armpits, groin, and ears.
Cradle cap doesnt itch and doesnt bother your baby.
Dandruff can also cause a dry scalp. Baby dandruff is also a type of infantile seborrheic dermatitis. Unlike the more common appearance of cradle cap, dandruff is white, dry, and sometimes itchy. Dandruff may be genetic. If you have dry skin, your baby could have dry skin, too.
Overwashing your babys skin doesnt cause dandruff. But if your baby has this condition, you may want to shampoo their scalp less frequently. Wash every other day instead of every day to prevent dryness from getting worse. Cold weather and low humidity can also worsen dandruff.
Allergies can also cause your baby to have a dry scalp, though this is less common. If the dry scalp is accompanied by a red, itchy rash, allergies may be the cause.
Once youve identified the cause of your babys dry scalp, its usually treatable at home.
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Use Coconut And Tea Tree Oil:
Coconut Oil is known for its highly moisturising properties for hair. The application of a combination of Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil can encourage blood circulation to the hair follicles and to the scalp helping the supply of essential nutrients.
Between hair washes, the oil can act as a protective barrier and seal moisture into the hair so that it remains soft and shiny.
Some people like to use warm coconut oil as a scalp treatment by applying it directly to their hair, using a comb to work the oil into the hair and then leaving the oil to soak for a few hours before shampooing.
Not only does it smell great, but as it is completely natural, a much better alternative to most products available that offer similar results.
If you do not like the scent of coconut oil, you can easily mix in one or two drops of your favourite smelling essential oil.
Coconut Oil For Baby Massage
Most parents are aware of the benefits of baby massage. Using coconut oil for the same has proven its efficacy too . A traditional way to use coconut oil for baby massage is to take equal amounts of extra virgin coconut oil and olive oil and mix them thoroughly. To the mix, add a few drops of natural essential oil like lavender and use the same to massage your baby.
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Taking Care Of Baby: Cutting Nails
Because your baby’s fingernails grow very quickly and babies can easily scratch themselves, file or cut the nails about twice a week. Your baby’s toenails don’t grow as quickly. You can probably get away with cutting them a couple of times a month. Just watch out for any jagged edges that you may need to trim.
Whether you opt for baby scissors, a baby nail clipper, or a nail file is up to you. Considering the tiny size of baby’s nails, decide which one you’re most comfortable using. Filing generally runs less of a risk that you’ll cut your baby’s skin. Never bite off your baby’s nails — you could give them an infection.
Here are some tips to make cutting nails easier:
- Cut nails after a bath, when they’re softer. Sometimes it helps to trim a baby’s nails when the baby is asleep and relaxed.If you use scissors or a nail clipper, press the skin under the nail down so you can get to the nail more easily. It may help to have your partner hold the baby’s hand steady the first few times so you can concentrate on cutting.
- Trim their fingernails following the natural curve of the nail. Cut toenails straight across.
- Use a nail file after clipping to smooth any jagged edges.
- If you accidentally nip baby’s skin with the scissors, apply gentle pressure with a tissue or piece of gauze. Use a tiny bit of ointment on the cut. Don’t put on a bandage because your baby could choke on it.
National Safety Council: “Baby-proofing your home.”
Pagination
What Is Baby Dandruff
Baby dandruff is a lot like adult dandruff. Its primarily caused by dry skin and could be the result of various factors, from sunburn to the shampoo used on your babys scalp. Weather conditions could also cause it. So, if you suffer from dry skin and that blustery breeze is making you flake, your baby may also be feeling the same effects. Its often nothing to worry about, but its good to keep an eye on especially since, if accompanied by an itchy rash, allergies could be to blame.
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What Else Should I Know
Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis in the diaper area or skin folds can get infected. Talk to your doctor if the rash gets worse or there are any signs of infection .
Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants usually get better by 12 months of age. Seborrhea may come back around puberty as dandruff.
Change Your Shampoo And Hair Products
A dry and irritated scalp can be caused by shampooing too regularly or by using products which are too harsh for your scalp and hair.
The best advice is to avoid shampooing every day or choose a gentle formula shampoo specially formulated for dry hair.
Frequent washing with hot water and using hair products which contain alcohol can also contribute to drying out the scalp and making the condition worse. Choosing a more suitable shampoo may be trial and error, however a professional and high-quality shampoo can make a huge difference in cleansing and hydrating the scalp.
To avoid hair drying out and allow the scalp a chance to recover and naturally nourish itself it is best to minimise or stop using heated hair products and hair dryers
If you cant pack away your styling products for good, then you can always change to a more suitable, lightweight product. Try and find one that coats the hair with a protective layer to give softer, shinier and smoother hair.
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Make Sure Bath Water Is The Right Temperature
Bath water should be approximately the same as your babys body temperature: 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If its one or two degrees above or below, thats completely fine.
This water temperature will be most comfortable for your baby. Its also the ideal temperature for your little ones sensitive skin. Use a bath thermometer to easily and accurately check that the water is not too hot and not too cold, but just right!
Dry Hair Or Scalp: Aquaphor
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Symptoms Of A Dry Scalp
Often people with a dry and flaking scalp, initially suspect dandruff. However, it is just as likely that these two symptoms are a result of really dry scalp.
Dry scalp usually develops when the scalp has too little moisture, this causes irritation to the skin causing it to flake. Some people may find that other parts, such as their arms and legs also become dry.
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of this condition such as temperature, age and reactions to products these are all discussed in detail below.
Read more about: How to get rid of dandruff
One way to differentiate between dry scalp and dandruff is by assessing the appearance of the flakes.
Typically, dandruff flakes are larger in size, yellow or white in colour and may even look oily. Sometimes dandruff flakes also are harder to come off the skin.
Smaller dry flakes indicate dry scalp and there may also be dry skin on other parts of the body. Both conditions cause an itchy scalp, however, dandruff patients often present with red, oily and scaly-looking skin.
How Long Does It Take To Recover
Cradle cap can occur in babies and toddlers up to 3 years of age. If cradle cap is the cause, your child may continue to have a dry scalp until theyre older. Once cradle cap or dandruff resolves, it usually wont return.
Some causes of dry scalp are chronic, such as eczema. Your child might need occasional treatments as they age.
Genetic factors, such as dry skin and allergies, may also persist throughout childhood and adulthood. If your babys scalp recovers, other skin symptoms may show up later in life, but treatments are available.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is recognisable by the large, greasy, yellow or brown scales that appear on your baby’s scalp. These scales will eventually start to flake and may make the affected skin appear red. Sometimes the hair may also come away with the flakes. Cradle cap is not a serious condition and should not cause your child any problems or irritation. However, it is important not to scratch or pick at the cradle cap, in case an infection develops.
It usually starts on the scalp and can sometimes spread behind the ears. The patches may appear on other parts of your babys body, such as the nappy area , the nose, armpits or backs of the knees. When it appears on a part of the body other than the scalp, it is called by its medical term seborrhoeic dermatitis.
How Will Cradle Cap Affect My Childs Hair
Cradle cap will not prevent your babys hair from growing or cause baldness. Only in very rare cases will it cause temporary hair loss.
Seborrheic dermatitis is not limited to infants. Dandruff, flaky scales that build up on the scalps of individuals of teen age or older, is known as adult seborrheic dermatitis .
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Cradle Cap Is A Leading Cause Of Dry Scalp
Cradle cap is a common problem in many babies. It is best described as yellow or whitish scales that accumulate on the scalp and flake off with time. Cradle cap tends to disappear on its own, but dry, flaky skin on a babys head is a cause for concern and needs to be treated as soon as possible.
Cradle cap often appears when a babys sebaceous glands produce excess amounts of oil. This leads to oily patches on the skin which can dry and transform into flakes.
Treating cradle cap begins by applying a vegetable oil such as coconut oil or olive oil on your fingertips. Massage the oil into your babys hair and scalp. If vegetable oil is not available, opt for baby oil or petroleum jelly. Leave the oil on for 15 to 30 minutes to soften the flakes so you can remove them with a washcloth. Make sure to be gentle. Use a mild baby shampoo afterward, and wash the oil off thoroughly to avoid worsening the condition of the cradle cap . Tea tree oil may also tame the dryness but must be diluted in a carrier oil such as almond or olive oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Dry Scalp
ACV exhibits antimicrobial properties . It is also thought to balance the scalps pH. This, in turn, may help restore the normal functioning of the oil glands and can provide relief from a dry scalp.
You Will Need
- Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this not more than twice a week.
Note: Make sure you dilute the ACV before using it on your scalp. You can also add some honey to the mixture.
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What Causes Baby Eczema
Baby eczema is another skin condition to be on the lookout for. It doesnt necessarily appear on the scalp instead, its far more common on your babys arms, cheeks, and legs. Baby eczema will show up looking dry and patchy. Its very common in the first few months of life, and often clears up on its own. While harmless, you should still go to your pediatrician so that they can properly identify it, and possibly recommend certain creams to help lessen the itch that baby eczema may cause. If you happened to have eczema at any point in your life, its more likely that your baby will have it since it can be hereditary.