Dandruff or cradle cap
What is Cradle Cap? What are the Treatments?
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
Medically Reviewed by Amita Shroff, MD on September 19, 2022
In this Article
- What Is Cradle Cap?
- Cradle Cap Causes
- Cradle Cap Signs and Symptoms
- Cradle Cap Diagnosis
- Cradle Cap Treatment
- Cradle Cap Prevention
What Is Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap is a common skin condition in newborns and babies that causes rough patches on their scalp. Babies are known for their soft, smooth skin, but cradle cap is common in newborns.
When you see these rough patches on your baby’s head, you might worry that it’s something serious. Cradle Cap is common and harmless. It’s the baby form of dandruff.
This skin condition got its name because the most common place for the scaly patches to show up is on the head, where a baby would wear a cap.
You can usually get rid of it in a few simple steps. Even if you don’t do anything, it should go away on its own with time.
Cradle Cap Causes
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes cradle cap. But they think rough patches may show up when oil glands in your baby’s skin make more oil than they need to. Doctors think the extra oil may cause dead skin cells to stick to the scalp.
Cradle Cap Signs and Symptoms
Cradle cap tends to appear between the 2-6 weeks of life. You may notice:
- Greasy, patchy scalp. The skin on your baby’s scalp may look greasy. They may have white or yellow patches of scales on their scalp. Over time, the scales may flake off.
- Changes in scalp color. Sometimes, the skin on your baby’s scalp may just look a different color, rather than scaly or flaky. Cradle cap doesn’t feel itchy to your baby, although it looks like it might be.
- Hair loss. It’s rare, but a baby may lose hair where they have cradle cap. The hair should grow back after the cradle cap goes away.
- Cradle cap on other parts of the body.
Aside from the head, it can also show up the face, behind the ears, the diaper area, and the armpits.
Cradle Cap Diagnosis
Your doctor will know right away if your baby has this very common condition. They will only have to see the skin on your baby’s scalp or other body parts. Your baby won’t need to take any tests for the doctor to diagnose cradle cap.
Cradle Cap Treatment
Once you have a diagnosis, you should be able to treat your baby’s cradle cap at home with success.
- Wash. Keeping your baby’s scalp clean helps the problem go away, since it washes away some of the extra oils. Use baby shampoo and rub it gently into the affected areas. Your doctor might tell you to wash your baby’s hair more often than you usually do. You might need to wash it every day instead of every few days. If a mild baby shampoo doesn’t work, ask your doctor about medicated products. Don’t use shampoo with ingredients that are designed for dandruff unless your doctor says that you should.
Not all products are safe for infants. - Brush. After you clean your baby’s hair and scalp, you can gently brush their hair with a soft baby brush or comb. The scales should loosen and fall off over time. Make sure to go easy, though.
- Lubricate. Ask your doctor if you should rub some petroleum jelly (Vaseline), baby oil, olive oil, or ointment into the scales on your baby’s scalp after you’ve used shampoo and a soft hair brush. Some parents do this and have great success.
- Apply. Some doctors may prescribe hydrocortisone cream for cradle cap, but only if the scalp is inflamed. This usually isn’t necessary. Don't use a steroid cream unless your doctor recommends it.
Cradle Cap Prevention
Once the cradle cap is under control, you can keep it at bay by washing your baby’s hair often enough with baby shampoo and brushing their scalp with a soft brush. Ask your pediatrician how often to wash your baby’s hair after the cradle cap goes away.
Your doctor may also suggest that you use the hydrocortisone cream or another lotion or ointment after the cradle cap has stopped being a problem.
Dry Scalp Or Cradle Cap: What's The Difference?
Babies have soft, delicate skin. This means your baby’s skin is easily irritated and prone to dryness, including the skin on their head and scalp. If your little one has flaky skin on their head, you’re probably wondering if it’s a sign of dry scalp or cradle cap.
It’s not uncommon for a baby to develop one or both of these conditions. But how are they different? And, more importantly, how can you care for your little one when they have baby dry scalp or cradle cap?
In this post, the baby experts at Mustela will answer both of these questions and more.
What’s The Difference Between Baby Dry Scalp And Cradle Cap?
Dry scalp and cradle cap are similar conditions, so it can be tough to tell them apart.
At their core, both stem from your little bundle of joy having dry skin on their head. So what’s the difference between the two?
In short, dry scalp is just that: dry, flaky skin on your little one’s head. It’s essentially a case of baby dandruff. The skin may appear red or yellowish and feel scaly or rough to the touch. Dead skin may flake off of your baby’s dry scalp.
Cradle cap, on the other hand, begins with a dry scalp but has progressed slightly further. Rather than just flaky, scaly skin, cradle cap is characterized by rough, crusty bumps that protrude from your baby’s scalp. Whereas baby dry scalp will feel dry, cradle cap will actually feel oily to the touch.
Let’s talk a bit more in-depth about both dry scalp and cradle cap and go over the causes and symptoms of each
All About Dry Scalp
Dry skin is perfectly normal for adults, toddlers, and infants alike. Sometimes, that dry skin can develop on your or your baby’s scalp.
Causes
What causes your baby’s scalp to become dry? There are several factors that may contribute to baby dry scalp, including:
- Harsh weather (very hot or very cold temperatures, powerful winds, etc.
) - Sunburn on your baby’s head
- Long baths or baths that are too hot
- Shampoos and soaps that are too strong for your baby’s skin
- Accidentally failing to rinse all of the shampoo out of your child’s hair
Any combination of these factors may cause dry scalp.
Symptoms
You’ll be able to identify the condition by the following symptoms:
- Dry skin on your baby’s head that may be flaky, scaly, or peeling
- Reddish, pinkish, yellowish, or brownish discoloration on your little one’s scalp
- Slight inflammation
- Signs of discomfort, such as crying or squirming more than usual
If your little one is showing these symptoms, it is very likely that they have dry scalp.
All About Cradle Cap
Like eczema or baby acne, cradle cap is an extremely common skin condition. In fact, some research estimates that as many as 70 percent of infants develop cradle cap before three months of age.
Despite its prevalence, researchers aren’t exactly sure what causes cradle cap. There are several possibilities.
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Causes
One theory is that cradle cap is the result of a problem with the sebaceous glands on your child’s head. Sebaceous glands are responsible for releasing sebum, a natural oil the human body secretes to keep skin protected and moisturized.
If excess sebum is released, it can harden and form into small clusters. Alternatively, if sebaceous glands become clogged, the sebum released may solidify and build up on top of your little one’s pores.
A second possible cause of cradle cap is a strain of yeast called Malassezia.
This particular type of yeast is naturally found on living human skin, but it may sometimes cause skin conditions or infections. This is especially true if the Malassezia begin to colonize within your baby’s sebaceous glands.
While we don’t know what exactly causes cradle cap, we do know that it is not a hygiene issue. Some parents may believe cradle cap is related to poor hygiene or inadequate bathing, but this is simply not the case.
A few other important points about cradle cap: it is not contagious, and it is not painful for your baby. It may be unsightly, but it will not spread and your baby is probably not in any discomfort.
Symptoms
You can identify cradle cap by these common symptoms:
- Small patches of crusty, oily skin that feel both greasy and rough
- Spots appearing mostly on your baby’s head, neck, and/or face
- The rough, oily patches being raised from your child’s skin (not flat)
If your baby is showing these symptoms, they probably have a case of cradle cap.
But don’t worry. There are plenty of easy and effective ways to treat it.
How To Treat Your Baby’s Dry Scalp And Cradle Cap
Fortunately, the same treatments are effective in caring for both cradle cap and baby dry scalp. Here are seven easy and effective treatments for your little one’s dry scalp or cradle cap.
1) Bathe Your Baby Regularly
While hygiene is definitely not a cause of dry scalp or cradle cap, baths are still essential for keeping your little one’s skin healthy. Daily baths are helpful when caring for your child’s sensitive scalp area.
If you prefer, however, you can bathe your child every other day instead of every day. As long as you’re maintaining an adequate daily hygiene routine and changing your baby’s diapers the right way, three to four baths per week is sufficient.
2) Use Micellar Water In-Between Baths
To keep your baby’s skin extra clean on days they go without a bath, use a safe and baby-friendly micellar water, like Mustela’s Organic Micellar Water with Olive Oil and Aloe.
It’s perfect for traveling and super easy to use! Simply apply it to your baby’s skin — their face, body, and diaper area, too — using a soft cloth, diaper wipe, or cotton pad. Then pat them dry. There’s no need to rinse!
Our micellar water is made with 99.7% naturally derived ingredients, including organic aloe vera and organic olive oil to protect, soften, and soothe your baby’s kissable skin. And it cleanses your little one’s skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
3) Keep Baths Short
Long baths can remove sebum from your baby’s skin and scalp, leaving them vulnerable to dehydration and dryness. To care for your baby’s dry scalp or cradle cap, limit baths to 10 minutes or less.
Remember that your little one can still have loads of fun even if it’s a short bath. With Mustela’s Multi-Sensory Bubble Bath, you can keep them happy and entertained in a bath full of bubbles!
4) Make Sure Bath Water Is The Right Temperature
Bath water should be approximately the same as your baby’s body temperature: 98.
6 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s one or two degrees above or below, that’s completely fine.
This water temperature will be most comfortable for your baby. It’s also the ideal temperature for your little one’s sensitive skin. Use a bath thermometer to easily and accurately check that the water is not too hot and not too cold, but just right!
5) Protect Your Baby From The Elements
As we mentioned earlier, both in winter and summer, weather can contribute to your baby’s dry scalp. The cold, windy weather of wintertime can dry skin out, and the heat and sunburn of summertime can, too!
Protect your little one’s skin and scalp during the winter by wrapping them up properly and putting a cute hat on their head.
And in the summer, steer clear of sunburn by keeping your baby in the shade, dressing them in protective clothing (including an adorable sun hat!), and applying mineral sunscreen, like Mustela’s SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion.
Made with coconut oil and other hydrating ingredients, our fragrance-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen offers safe and effective daily sun protection for babies, children, and the entire family.
And, unlike other mineral sunscreens, this one blends in easily and doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin! Use it on your baby’s face and body, knowing it’s gentle enough for even the smallest member of your family.
6) Use Gentle Products
Many soaps and shampoos are too harsh for your baby’s skin — even the ones that claim to be formulated for kids. These strong soaps and shampoos can further irritate your baby’s dry scalp.
Take wonderful care of your little bundle of joy by using gentle, baby-safe skin care products like Mustela’s. Mustela offers a variety of body washes, shampoos, cleansers, and other bath-time products that are formulated with natural ingredients, hypoallergenic, and free of parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol.
Specifically, our Foam Shampoo For Newborns is formulated to rinse away flakes associated with cradle cap. How does it work? This tear-free shampoo contains BHA and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and rinse away cradle cap flakes.
But rest assured: we’ve tested this product under pediatric and dermatological control, and it’s specially formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. Plus, our 99% plant-based formula is also biodegradable to make you, your baby, and the earth happy all at the same time
7) Apply Cradle Cap Cream
If your baby has cradle cap, use products specifically designed to address this condition. Mustela’s Cradle Cap Cream works to prevent and eliminate cradle cap flakes, reduce the likelihood of future recurrence, and soothe your little one’s scalp in the process.
All you have to do is apply this leave-on cream to the affected area once a day. Massage it in lightly and, for best results, leave it on overnight and rinse it out the following day when you give your baby a bath.
Our fragrance-free Cradle Cap Cream is composed of 95% naturally derived ingredients, developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, and is safe for use from birth on!
8) Apply Baby Oil Or Natural Oils
A few drops of Mustela's Baby Oil will keep your little one’s scalp moisturized and help to loosen any dead skin that has accumulated on their head.
Made with pomegranate seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and avocado oil, our protective baby oil blends effortlessly into your little one’s skin for a soothing and comforting massage.
Some parents prefer to use coconut oil or olive oil to care for their little one’s scalp. While these oils aren’t specially formulated to treat your baby’s skin, they are natural oils and ultimately safe to use on your child.
(Note: avoid essential oils, which have not been verified as safe for infants.)
9) Massage Your Baby’s Head
Giving your baby a very gentle head massage will soothe them and help to remove dead skin cells at the same time. Using your fingertips, simply rub along the surface of your baby’s dry scalp.
Remember to do this as gently as possible, since your baby’s skull is not yet fully developed.
Speaking of massaging your baby, if you’ve never given them a baby massage, try it out! The benefits are many, including reduced gas in colicky infants, a healthier immune system, and better sleep.
To learn how to give a baby massage, check out our article here.
10) Gently Brush Your Baby’s Dry Scalp
Similarly to a head massage, brushing your baby’s head will help to remove dead skin cells from your little one’s dry scalp. As the dead skin cells fall off, younger and healthier skin cells are able to rise to the surface of your baby’s skin.
Always use a baby brush with soft bristles. And, who knows, you may find that your baby loves having their scalp brushed!
11) Head To The Doctor’s Office
If your baby has a dry scalp or cradle cap that lasts more than a week, it’s best to talk to a pediatrician. You should also head to the doctor’s office if your baby seems to be in pain. As always, check with a pediatrician before giving your child any medications.
Say Goodbye To Your Baby’s Dry Scalp And Cradle Cap
You love your child more than anything in the world, so it can be concerning to notice they have dry scalp or cradle cap.
Simply follow the 11 tips above and use Mustela’s line of gentle, natural, and safe products, like Foam Shampoo For Newborns and Cradle Cap Cream. Your baby’s scalp will be back to normal in no time!
Dandruff in infants: causes, symptoms and treatment
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cortex) AND Dandruff These are two types of the same disease that affects the fatty parts of the body. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common and chronic (relapsing) type of dermatitis that primarily affects gland-rich areas of the scalp, face, and trunk.
On the other hand, dandruff is limited to the scalp. Dandruff is more common in adults than in children. However, its treatment and prevention in children is not difficult if the cause is well understood. Therefore, we recommend that you consult a pediatrician, especially if your child's scalp is very itchy.
Continue reading this post to understand the causes of dandruff in babies and how to treat it.
There are many signs and symptoms that can indicate dandruff. However, general symptoms:
- Itching of the scalp
- Skin flaky and dry without scalp infection.
- Red, yellow or silver spots on and around the child's head.
- Dry patches that may be scaly or rough to the touch
Causes of dandruff in babies
The exact cause of dandruff is unknown. However, it is believed to be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, yeast that naturally resides on the skin, irritants, chemicals, dry and cold weather, and excess sebum production. Among the many causes, the most common are:
- Cradle cap, which also causes scaly and scaly patches, mostly yellowish in color.
- Shampooing your hair frequently will dry your scalp and cause moisture loss.
- Circumstances Dry weather like winter What makes the scalp dry.
The main causes of dandruff in infants include excessive production of sebum or sebum or overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia which can cause scalp cells to shed quickly. In this case, you may notice gray or white flakes on the baby's head.
When will you see a doctor?
Dandruff can usually be cured with some home remedies within a week or so. But if dandruff is persistent and even worsens, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician. It would make more sense if your child's scalp shows the following signs:
- prescribe
- crackle
- bleeding
Is dandruff on the child's head related to dandruff?
Dandruff on the head or body of a child may not always be due to dandruff. If the skin on your child's scalp is flaky and flaky, it may not be due to dandruff, but to other causes such as:
- Sunburn on the scalp This risk can be avoided by limiting the child's exposure to the sun or by having him wear a hat.
- Overuse of shampoo and poor rinsing during washing Dry shampoo residue may appear on the scalp in the form of flakes and resemble dandruff. This can be avoided by spending more time rinsing than moisturizing and using more than one dime-sized scoop of shampoo.
Shampooing often accumulates oils and skin cells on the scalp, resulting in a flaky texture.
- atopic dermatitis (Eczema) or Psoriasis This may cause an increase in volume due to drying of the skin. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the difference between normal dandruff and eczema.
- dry cold air in winter , which makes the baby's scalp dry, can also cause fluctuations.
- cap Another reason for children under one year old.
- Ringworm Caused by a fungus and can also cause hair loss and hair loss in children.
- Lice This causes scratching, itching and dandruff, although this is not very common in children.
Knowing the cause of flaking is important for the correct treatment of dandruff in children. Contact your doctor for help if you suspect your baby has dandruff. Don't delay if your child itches a lot and has itchy red spots. This is very important as it may indicate an underlying medical presence such as a fungal infection.
How to get rid of baby dandruff?
After confirming that your child has dandruff, follow these steps to get rid of it.
- Before shampooing, blow-dry baby's hair to remove large visible dandruff.
- However, the use of mineral oil to get rid of dandruff is considered unnatural and can be tried with the advice of a pediatrician. This is very important as it will help loosen the flakes stuck to the scalp.
To use the oil, gently massage into baby's scalp before shampooing. Leave the oil on the scalp for some time and then comb the baby's hair. Then shampoo, make sure all oils are removed, getting wet can lead to big problems.
- Wash your baby's hair daily with regular baby shampoo. Thus, a light crust is easily removed.
- For severe dandruff, use a pediatrician-recommended medicated dandruff shampoo. Use once or twice a week, depending on the severity of dandruff and your doctor's prescription. Leave the shampoo on your scalp for at least two minutes while washing your hair.
- When washing a child's hair, gently massage the scalp with your fingers and lather well. Rinse well with water.
- Dry the child's head with a towel.
- If the child is prone to dandruff, it is necessary to maintain a normal pH level of the scalp.
Your child's doctor may prescribe a scalp lotion or antifungal cream. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can help relieve inflammation, redness, and itching. But its use should be under the supervision of children, preferably in the correct dosage and use.
How to prevent dandruff in children?
Dandruff may recur after treatment.
Hence, it would be wise to take some preventive measures that can help you avoid dandruff in your child.
- Change your shampoo routine. Too much shampoo can ruin your hair for two reasons. The pH of your baby's scalp. It depends on how often you shampoo your baby's scalp. For example, in the case of a crib cradle, daily shampooing can help remove excess oil and loosen stubble on your baby's scalp. However, for all other reasons, daily shampooing for dry scalp can cause excessive dryness.
- Use the shampoo prescribed by your doctor. He can advise your child on a specific shampoo after determining the cause of dandruff.
- Normal lubrication. This will help to avoid the accumulation of sticky dandruff flakes. When using this oil, a natural organic oil such as coconut oil or olive oil can be used.
FAQs
1. Is dandruff contagious?
Dandruff, which causes yellowish-white or scaly skin, is not serious and is not contagious, but it can be itchy.
2. What is a carrycot cover? How is it different from dandruff in children?
Dry, flaky scalp is called cap or infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It usually occurs in children older than three months. A bassinet cap can cause dandruff as the skin flakes off along with yellow scaly patches on the scalp. According to the American Pediatric Association, most babies can outgrow this problem, or it can be treated with olive oil because its moisturizing properties work as a natural remedy in healing cradle cap.
3. Can I use baby dandruff shampoo?
Children's dandruff shampoos are not safe to use, especially because of the sensitivity of the scalp. However, you can use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo for children after consulting with children.
Mild dandruff can be controlled at home with simple remedies. However, persistent or severe forms of dandruff can indicate underlying conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and cradle cap problems that require medical attention.
Recording the severity and when it occurred will help your doctor understand the little person's situation right away. Remember that your child deserves a healthy scalp that can be easily maintained with home care.
Do you know of any home remedies to treat and prevent dandruff? If yes, then tell us about it in the comments below.
Recommendations:
- . Seborrheic dermatitis in children; National Eczema Association
- . Louis J. Borda and Tongyu K. Wikramanayake; Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review; National Center for Biotechnology Information (2015)
- 3. Dandruff; National Health Service, UK
- . Seborrheic dermatitis; Medline Plus, US National Library of Medicine
- . cradle cover; The best health channel; Victorian Government
- . Dandruff; Head of Health Service
- . cradle cover; Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne
Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions - Symptoms, Causes and Cure
Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions - Symptoms, Causes and Cure - Medication.
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Common causes of Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions
The following are the most common causes of Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions:
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- improper and irregular skin shampoo scalp
- dry skin
- sensitivity to hair care products
Risk factors for development Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions
The following factors can increase the likelihood of developing dandruff, ceremony of cradle and other scalp states:
- Youth and maturity
- To be a man
- Bold hair and scalp
- Neurological diseases
- Parkinson disease
- seborrheic dermatitis
Prevention Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions
Yes, it may prevent the development of Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions.
Prevention is possible by doing the following: - use shampoo daily
- Avoid stress
- spend some time outdoors in the sun
Occurrence Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions
Number of cases conditions of the scalp observed every year throughout the world.:
- Very common> 10 million cases
Common age group
Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions are most common in the following age group:
- Aged between 15-60 years
Common gender
Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions may occur in any gender.
Tests and procedures to diagnose Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions
The following tests and procedures are used to diagnose Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions:
- Scalp screening: Doctors can diagnose the condition just by looking at the scalp
Diagnosing doctor Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions:
- Dermatologist
Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions can cause complications if left untreated.
Yes, Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions cause complications if left untreated. The following is a list of complications and problems that can occur if Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions are left untreated:
- secondary bacterial infection
- redness
- exudate
- local irritation
Treatments to treat Dandruff, cap cradle cap and other scalp conditions
The following treatments are used to treat Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions:
- Hair Transplant Surgery: Grow Hair on a Bald Scalp
Self Care During Dandruff, Cradle Cap and Other Scalp Conditions
The following self-care or lifestyle changes can help treat and combat Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions:
- Learn to manage stress: Helps prevent worsening of symptoms
- Shampoo frequently: Shampooing daily can help prevent dandruff
Alternative medicines for treating Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions
The following alternative medicines and therapies are known to help in the treatment and control of Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions:
- Tea Tree Oil Application : helps in preventing dandruff
Duration of treatment Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions
Although the treatment period may vary for each patient, the following is a typical treatment period for Dandruff, cradle cap and other scalp conditions if the treatment takes place properly under the supervision of an expert.
