Cradle cap care
FLAKING, rough, scaly patches or thick, oily, yellowish or brownish scales and dry skin similar in appearance to dandruff covering your baby’s scalp can be quite frightening. But Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour, said the condition is nothing for parents to lose sleep over.
“Cradle cap is a common condition seen in babies. It is otherwise known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It can be described as crusty, greasy, scaly patches on the baby’s scalp,” Dr Griffith said
She explained that the condition is thought to be a result of excessive production of sebum or oil from the oil glands as a result of hormones produced by the mother in the latter part of her pregnancy. However, theories of the condition’s origin have also indicated some association with a fungal infection.
“Cradle cap is harmless, not contagious, is not usually itchy, and resolves over a period of time. Importantly, it is not caused by poor hygiene,” Dr Griffith said.
She advised parents that mild cases of cradle cap are manageable at home, but require close and consistent monitoring to prevent against inflammation and infections. Below, Dr Griffith shares care guidelines that parents could follow for best results:
• Wash the baby’s hair with a gentle shampoo regularly.
• Apply oils such as olive oil before washing to break up flakes as well as to make them easier to remove.
• Use a soft brush when you try to lift scales prior to washing. These can then be removed using a fine-tooth comb.
• Hair and scalp should be dried properly at all times
• In severe cases of cradle cap, the baby’s paediatrician often prescribes a medicated (anti-fungal) shampoo. The condition is usually described as severe if it persists even with regular care and involves other areas of the body.
Dr Griffith pointed out that red and swollen cradle cap could mean that it is infected or inflamed. The baby should be taken to the doctor so that he/she can get additional treatment such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory creams or lotions to treat the area.
