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WHAT  IS  CRADLE  CAP?

 

Cradle cap is a scalp condition which is most common in young babies, and is related to dandruff. It varies in severity and appearance, ranging from patches of dry, flaky skin to a greasy, yellowish-brown crust that covers the whole scalp like a cap, hence the name.

 

What causes it?

The cause is unknown but it's thought that cradle cap arises as a result of hormonal changes that stimulate the over-production of oily secretions from the scalp. It is not the result of poor baby care or hygiene, and cannot be prevented.

 

Cradle cap commonly appears during the first few weeks of life, but can affect older babies, too. It usually disappears spontaneously within a few months, but can continue for longer in severe cases, or even clear up then recur.

 

When to see the doctor

 

Cradle cap is unsightly, but harmless. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor  if:

 

• The condition appears distressing or irritating to your baby.
• Your Baby’s cradle cap doesn’t improve after five days following home treatment.
• The conditions worsen or spreads.
• The scales are oozing or become infected.
• Your baby has red, scaly area elsewhere on his body. 

Cradle cap is a skin condition that affects most babies. It causes dry, flaky skin on the scalp, or, in more severe conditions, forms greasy crusted scales that can spread to the face, neck and ears.

 

What the doctor may do

 

If you are concerned, consult your doctor, who will be able to recommend a variety of treatments to ease your baby's cradle cap

• Your doctor might prescribe a special hypoallergenic shampoo for you to use on your baby. Follow the instructions carefully. 
• You may be advised to leave the lather on your baby's scalp for 20 minutes before rinsing.  This can be difficult, so have some toys ready to distract your baby. 
• In severe cases, a mild hydrocortisone (steroid) cream may be prescribe often to be use in  conjunction with a special shampoo. 
• If the scales on your baby's scalp have become infected, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream. 
• If the condition persists or worsens, or if your baby appears to have seborrhoeic dermatitis page your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist.

Treating cradle cap at home

 

Home treatment is usually all that is needed to alleviate cradle cap, and the condition should eventually clear up on its own. Below are four tried and tested methods of treating the condition yourself.

 

Use one option or a combination.

 

Brushing:  Try to brush or comb out the flaky scales, but stop if your baby is becoming distressed. Don't attempt to loosen the scales if they won't come away easily.

 

Washing:   Using a no-tears baby shampoo, gently wash your baby's hair and scalp. Do not use medicated or anti-dandruff shampoo except on the advice of your doctor.

 

Rubbing:  Before you put your baby to bed, rub a little baby oil, olive oil or petroleum jelly into his scalp to soften the scales, and leave it on overnight

 

Wiping:   Often the simplest and gentlest method of treating cradle cap is to take a piece of cotton wool, dampen it slightly and carefully run it over your baby's scalp. Repeat this treatment two or three times, using a fresh piece of cotton wool each time you wipe your baby's head.

  

Could it be seborrhoeic dermatitis?

 

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a type of eczema that occurs in places on the body where sebaceous glands are most prolific. In babies, these include the scalp, eyelids and greasy areas, such as around the nostrils, ears and groin

 

• Unlike the more common form of childhood eczema, known as atopic eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis is not characterized by extreme itchiness, and it responds well to treatment. 
• The symptoms include: a scaly, blotchy, rash, often in the skin creases of the nappy area, but also on the scalp, face, ears, neck and chest, and in the armpits, slight itchiness, although this does not always occur; and cradle cap, accompanied by scaly areas on the forehead, in the eyebrows and behind the ears. 
• You can help treat the condition, which usually clears up by the age of two, by using emulsifying bath additives and creams, such as aqueous cream, instead of soap-based products and baby oils. You will find these at your local pharmacy and in some supermarkets, or you may be able to get them on prescription. 
• If the condition still does not improve, consult your doctor, who may decide to prescribe a mild steroid cream. 

Important.

 

If the cradle cap is particularly stubborn, repeat the home treatment for 10 consecutive days. If you do not see an improvement after this period, consult your health visitor or  doctor.

 

Never try to remove the scabs that form on your baby's scalp as these can leave scars.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.