CRADLE CAP
Is your little one suffering with cradle cap?
Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects young babies. It is commonly present in the first three months of life, and is rare after the age of one year, for instance. However, It is a form of seborrhoeic dermatitis and appears as thick, waxy, yellow crusts on the baby’s scalp.
We have put together below some more detailed information on cradle cap and how to manage it naturally.
How can we help?
Natural solutions for the scalp
Our Body Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner can all help reduce the symptoms of cradle cap. In addition, it’s a natural formula designed to help combat irritation and sensitive scalp conditions through the potent healing properties of Manuka Oil.
Firstly, our Shampoo is the best product to use to help wash the scalp and keep the skin clear. Importantly, it is antibacterial and will help combat any inflamed or irritated areas as well helping to remove the crust and excess oils in the scalp.
Similarly, the Conditioner – is not essential as it acts in a similar way to the shampoo, but it will help the scalp and hair. However, it’s a thicker creamy texture and allows you to massage into your child’s scalp to help soften any crusty patches.
Soothing itchy skin
The Body Lotion is a good cream to massage into the scalp to help reduce inflammation. In addition, leave it on the skin to help soften any cradle cap patches. It is antibacterial and therefore will help any irritated or itchy areas, as a result.
Massaging the scalp at night with our Body Lotion, followed by washing the hair and scalp next morning with the Shampoo/Conditioner. In addition, gently lifting the crusts with a soft brush will help. Above all, this will help keep the scalp moisturised and assist in reducing any irritation and redness.
Most importantly, it's not painful nor itchy and usually clears by itself after a few months. Importantly, it is not contagious or caused by poor hygiene. Babies with cradle cap are otherwise well. However, many parents prefer to remove the crusts because they dont like how it looks.
Therefore, if an infection spreads, or your baby becomes unwell, make sure that you have your baby checked by a doctor. In additon, your baby may need antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Above all, unlike cradle cap, impetigo is highly contagious.
- Loosen the crusts by applying a light moisturising cream or lotion to the scalp. The next morning, wash your baby's hair with a baby shampoo, gently lifting the crusts off with a soft brush (an unused soft toothbrush can be good for this) or comb. Try this each day until your baby's scalp looks clearer.
- Use a mild anti-dandruff shampoo (only use for one to two weeks) if the other treatment is not working. Be careful, as some shampoos can be drying and can irritate a baby's skin. Take care not to get the shampoo in your baby’s eyes.
However,cradle cap may come back, even when treated properly, because the glands can keep making too much sebum for a few months. For instance, if this happens, repeat the treatment.