CRADLE CAP
Cradle cap is neither painful nor itchy and usually clears by itself after a few months. It is not contagious, and it is not caused by poor hygiene. Babies with cradle cap are otherwise well, but many parents prefer to remove the crusts because they do not like how it looks.
Cradle cap may appear in your baby's eyebrows. Scaly patches on other parts of the face or body are not cradle cap and should be checked by your GP or paediatrician. If the cradle cap starts to ooze or smell, the area may be infected and you should have your baby assessed.
If your baby has cradle cap, they may have:
- Yellow, greasy, waxy scales or flakes on the scalp, or sometimes the eyebrows
- Reddening of the skin, which sometimes occurs due to eczema developing underneath the cradle cap.
If this infection spreads, or your baby becomes unwell, make sure that you have your baby checked by a doctor. Your baby may need antibiotics to get rid of the infection. 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.
The cradle cap may come back, even when treated properly, because the glands can keep making too much sebum for a few months. If this happens, repeat the treatment.
How Can We Help?
Our Body Lotion, Shampoo and Conditioner can all help reduce the symptoms of cradle cap.
Our Shampoo is the best product to use to help wash the scalp and keep the skin clear. 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.
Conditioner – is not essential as it acts in a similar way to the shampoo, but it will help the scalp and hair. It is a thicker creamy texture and allows you to massage into your child’s scalp to help soften any crusty patches.
The Body Lotion is a good cream to massage into the scalp to help reduce inflammation and leave on the skin to soften any cradle cap patches. It is antibacterial and will help any irritated or itchy areas.
Massaging the scalp at night with our Body Lotion, followed by washing the hair and scalp next morning with the Shampoo/Conditioner and lifting the crusts with a soft brush, will help keep the scalp moisturised and assist in reducing any irritation and redness.