How To Treat Infant Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a common occurence in young infants that may cause parents to look for treatment for this condition.

Cradle cap may be a worrisome condition to see on a new baby, however, the condition is usually harmless and does not cause discomfort to the baby. There is no know cause of infant cradle cap. It is believed it may be related to the mother's hormones crossing the placenta during the later stages of pregnancy, which could cause hyperactivity of an infant's sebaceous glands. This can cause increased oil secretion and extra skin cells on the scalp. Cradle cap is not caused by infections, allergy, irritation or poor hygiene. In most cases, an infant will show symptoms of cradle cap during the first few weeks to months of life. Although, some infants do not develop cradle cap until later in the first year of life.

Symptoms of Infant Cradle Cap

Cradle cap appears as thick, scaly patches on a babies scalp. Sometimes it appears as greasy patches of skin that also have flaking patches of skin. Patches may appear white or yellow in color and the infant's head may also appear red. The spots may be in patches or affect the entire scalp. It may appear to look like dandruff, and after time, the patches may flake off.

Cradle cap does not usually cause signs of discomfort in an infant. However, if the condition becomes severe or is not treated, it may become itchy. This can cause an infant to scratch the scalp and leave marks that bleed or open up wounds that could become infected. It is important to keep baby's fingernails trimmed and ensure the cradle cap is remedied to prevent further irritation.

Treatment For Cradle Cap

When parents notice these symptoms on their infant, they will want to find cradle cap remedies to help get rid of the cradle cap. The easiest cradle cap treatment is by washing baby's head with a gentle shampoo and massaging the scalp. After washing, use a baby brush or comb, or a soft, clean toothbrush, to remove flaky scales. If regular shampooing is not effective, parents can try massaging baby's scalp with baby oil or petroleum jelly, let it sit for a few minutes, then brush the scalp with a soft toothbrush to remove the patches of flaky skin.

To keep the patches from returning, parents can apply a cradle cap lotion. Aquaphor is a hypoallergenic lotion that is sensitive enough for infants. It can effectively keep baby's skin hydrated and help restore healing. It is also important to regularly wash baby's head with gentle shampoo to remove any patches or scaling as they occur. Parents should also consult their infant's physician to find out what their recommendations are for treating cradle cap.

Some doctors recommend the use of an anti-dandruff shampoo in severe cases of cradle cap. To use this remedy, lay baby down on a flat surface and keep their eyes protected (anti-dandruff shampoos are strong and can cause irritation if dripped into baby's eyes). Then lather the shampoo onto the scalp and rinse thoroughly. This treatment should be used with caution, as some babies have very sensitive skin. In addition, when the skin is very red or inflamed some doctors suggest using a cortisone cream. Before using these treatments, parents should consult with baby's pediatrician.

Recurring Cradle Cap

If the cradle cap appears to be returning continuously, it may actually be caused by infantile eczema. This can appear as scaly patches of skin on the scalp and other areas of the body. The patches may appear wet or bumpy, and may become red, inflamed or flaky. Infants with eczema will usually have some amount of discomfort as the condition is itchy, so they may often scratch the spots that are affected. In these cases, the cause may be from an allergy, food allergy, sensitivity or irritation from certain products (such as detergent, lotions or soaps), family history of eczema and dry skin.

Parents should consult their pediatrician first, the physician may recommend the use of a cortisone cream. A hydrating ointment, such as Aquaphor, Aveeno Baby, or Eucerin can be applied to the affected areas to help promote healing as well. Parents should also keep baby's fingernails trimmed to prevent scratching, avoid the use of strong detergents and soaps, and look for possible causes of an allergy, such as cow's milk, fruit or nuts.