Do you wish to know what cradle cap is? Well, you’ve come to the right place. It refers to a type of condition for seborrheic dermatitis that’s especially common among babies. No problem though-we can and do treat it. Health is such an important concern; we’re more than willing to stand up with you.
In this text, you will find all the information you need to understand cradle cap and how to deal with it. See the causes, the main symptoms and how to get good treatment!
What is cradle cap?
Another name for cradle cap is seborrheic dermatitis in infants. Similar to dandruff in adults, this is one of the most prevalent skin disorders in neonates. That’s the reason so many parents are concerned.
Dermatitis appears in scaly, yellowish or whitish patches. This usually occurs on the scalp but the cradle cap on a baby’s face is also a common situation, and sometimes it appears on the eyebrows or behind the ears.
A very common question still remains: Can the scab be passed from one individual to another? That is, from one baby to another, or even from a baby to an adult? The answer is no; it’s not contagious. So, in no way, you have to avoid contact with siblings, cousins, or other children near you-you just take proper precautions with your little one.
This is benign and is temporary but may at some time be frightening or just annoying. Most times it fades with the child in the first few months after birth and never accompanied with pain.
What are the causes of this condition?
The most asked question is: ” What causes cradle cap ? There is no special cause for this condition to appear, but it is assumed that hormonal factors are responsible. So, it has nothing to do with poor hygiene or any health issue of the baby.
While a pregnant mother is carrying, it stimulates the sebaceous glands of the baby. Thus, by natural means, this produces excessive sebum-an oil produced by the skin, which otherwise was being normally produced.
Sebum gathers dead cells leading to development of patches on the newborn skin in the first few days or months.
Is it possible to notice the symptoms?
Now that you have an understanding of what cradle cap is, let’s explore the symptoms. The identification of this condition is easy since it carries some of the visual characteristics that can be noticed by the caregivers. This makes it possible to get treated promptly.
The most frequent indication of cradle cap in babies is spots that can often appear yellowish or reddish in color on the little ones’ skin. As oily and thick, they cling well to the affected hair or skin.
The other symptom is very mild itching in the baby. Still, most babies do not show any sign of discomfort. In case of confusion with eczema or psoriasis, the reasons are different.
How to remove cradle cap?
Cradle cap disappears with time, but treatments that heal the itching and reddening can hasten the disappearance of the spots. Some methods are listed below:
Hydration
Keeping the baby’s skin well moisturized is said to help minimize the scaly patches. Use gentle vegetable oil like almond oil, apply a little on the baby’s scalp, leave it on for some time, then gently brush the baby’s hair.
Hygiene
Washing your baby’s scalp with a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo can help remove excess oil and dead skin cells. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and gently, without scrubbing too hard to avoid irritating sensitive skin and causing discomfort .
Oh! It is also not necessary to wash your scalp every day. Ideally, you should space out your washes to maintain a care routine and reduce symptoms. As previously mentioned, this condition is not associated with poor hygiene.
Do not scratch or rub the affected area.
Though cradle caps might itch a little, it is very important not to let your baby rub or scratch the areas. In addition to exacerbating the illness, this can cause secondary infections.
See a doctor!
Sometimes, cradle cap can be agonizing or even spread to other parts of your baby. You may want to consider seeing a doctor at this point to determine the appropriate course of action.
For some cases, a specific shampoo or cream will be needed. Only a specialist can identify the origin of this disease and give precise directions. Remember that what suits one child might not suit another.
Indeed, at varying rates, each baby suffers from cradle cap. Thus, in treatment, patience and keen observation are paramount.