Cradle Cap-
Cradle cap is a form of skin inflammation known as seborrheic dermatitis. It typically appears on a newborn's scalp but may also show up elsewhere on the face, particularly around the eyes, nose, and ears, and also around skin folds. This is a harmless skin condition that should go away on its own without any - or little - treatment within a couple of months.
Symptoms
Cradle cap is characterised by a yellow scaling of the skin and may appear oily, crusty, and patchy. It may be mistaken for dandruff because of the dry, flaky skin, and may result in itchiness of the scalp.
Causes
Although seborrheic dermatitis inflammation is the result of overactive oil glands, maternal hormones have often been blamed for the cause of cradle cap. Excessive oil formed in a newborn's scalp show up as a buildup of waxy, dead cells but this can also develop into a rash.
Treatment
Cradle cap seldom requires any treatment because it is a relatively mild condition. There is no need for off-the-shelf products or medication as it will eventually resolve on its own. However, you can improve the condition by observing the following when washing baby's hair: 18
1. 15 to 30 minutes prior to bath time, apply a moderate amount of baby oil, olive oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly to the affected areas. Massage the scalp gently, taking care to avoid the eyes.
2. Leave the application on for at least 15 minutes to ensure that it is absorbed by the scaly skin.
3. During bath, exfoliate the scalp by wetting it and gently brushing away the top layer of dead skin using a soft bristled hair brush or toothbrush. Do not attempt to peel off the crusty bits with your nails.
4. For facial area, use a damp cloth to clean away the application, again taking care to avoid the eyes.
5. Use a regular baby shampoo to wash baby's hair as per normal. You may wish to purchase a mild anti-dandruff shampoo suitable for baby.
6. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Do not rub.
7. Ensure that you do not leave traces of oil on baby's head and face as this may clog up the pores and worsen the condition.
When to see the doctor
It is not necessary to see the doctor unless the cradle cap causes an itch or spreads to other sites apart from the scalp. You should seek a doctor's advice if there is no marked improvement or if the condition worsens after self-treatment. This could be an underlying case of deeper infection where the doctor may suggest a cortisone cream or a special seborrhea shampoo as part of the treatment.