Babies are precious and innocent. When parents notice their little one has an issue, it can be tough to watch them suffer. One problem many babies have is cradle cap. It is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that is similar to dandruff in adults. It is often harmless but can be irritating for babies. While it usually goes away on its own, there are ways to help speed up the process.
Methods Of Treating Cradle Cap In Babies
Although it’s not necessary to remove the cradle cap, there are a few safe ways to do so at home. Unfortunately, these methods won’t work for a long time and are usually temporary. Make sure to avoid irritating the baby’s skin too much. Doing so could cause small cuts and more irritation.
1. Wash Your Baby’s Hair With Special Products
Proper hair hygiene is important to help minimize the appearance of the cradle cap. One effective way to treat this condition is by using baby products for cradle cap. These products can be found online from reputable retailers and will help eliminate skin and scalp scaling, itching, irritation, and flaking associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
To properly wash your baby’s hair, start by wetting their head. Ensure the water is not too hot. Use a small amount of the shampoo and gently massage it into their scalp. Using a baby towel, gently scrub the affected areas. When done, rinse your baby’s hair and scalp thoroughly.
2. Brush Your Baby’s Scalp Gently
While gently brushing your baby’s head is a good way to get rid of some of their flaky patches, avoid scraping or picking them up. Some hospitals provide special brushes made for cradle cap, and a new one with gentle bristles can be used.
To get rid of the flaky patches, start by moving in one direction and gently brushing the affected area. Using a circular motion, go through each strand of hair to remove the remaining dust. You should only do this once a day, as the scalp may become agitated or red. Brushing will help remove some of the flakings and is a safe way to promote overall good scalp health for your baby.
3. Hydrate Your Baby’s Scalp
Some people believe that hydration can help remove dead skin cells from the scalp. You can use plant oils such as coconut, olive, and almond oil to nourish and tone the area. Try a small amount of oil on their scalp to see if it causes any irritation. Gently massage the product into their scalp for around one minute. If your baby has a soft spot on their head, be extra cautious in that area. Let the product soak for 10-15 minutes before gently washing it off. This method works best if your child is not allergic. It is safe to use as long as your child is not sensitive to the oil.
4. Try Essential Oils On Your Baby
Essential oils contain the active ingredients of various plants, and some can help treat cradle cap. Using essential oils can help prevent yeast from causing it, as well as soothe the scalp. Certain essential oils contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that can offer relief from irritation. As with any of these recommendations, it is best to consult with your pediatrician first before trying.
Top oils to choose from include lemon or geranium, as well as carrier oils such as coconut oil or jojoba. Tea tree oil, however, should not be used on babies younger than six months. It’s important to use this method sparingly, and it’s not clear if it’s safe to apply essential oils directly to a baby’s skin. You must ask your doctor before doing so and only follow their advice.
5. Use Prescription Creams
If other natural remedies are not helping your baby’s cradle cap, then your baby’s doctor may want to prescribe prescription creams. Some of the products they may recommend are zinc cream, antifungals, and hydrocortisone. When using any type of prescription cream, always follow your doctor’s instructions on how to use them properly.
Final Thoughts
Little is known about the exact cause of cradle cap, which can be hard to prevent and remove. However, these remedies may give your baby the relief they need.
