Treating cradle cap
LIKE every other expectation that comes with the birth of a baby — the cute smile, bright eyes or that special baby scent — parents also anticipate that their baby’s skin will be unblemished and smooth. But unfortunately, this is not always the case as some babies, soon after birth, begin to show symptoms of skin afflictions such as cradle cap.
“Cradle cap is a common condition seen in babies. It is otherwise known as infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis and can be described as crusty, greasy, scaly patches on the baby’s scalp, sometimes presenting itself on other sections of the skin such as the ears, on the baby’s neck and forehead,” said Dr Anona Griffith, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour.
She explained that the condition is thought to be as 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 pregnancy. Additionally, there are also theories that suggest there is some association with a fungal infection.
But as unpleasant as it may sound, and as unsightly as it looks, the paediatrician, who has seen her fair number of cases, said that it is nothing that parents should lose sleep over once proper care is exercised.
“Cradle cap is harmless, not contagious. It is not usually itchy and resolves over a period of time. Importantly, it is not caused by allergies or poor hygiene so parents should know it is no fault of theirs and what they should focus on is the treatment of the condition, since bacteria and fungi could very well infect the cap,” Dr Griffith advised.
Dr Griffith said that parents can help to relieve the symptoms of cradle cap by following the care guide below:
1. Wash the baby’s hair with a gentle shampoo
Using a mild shampoo, wash the hair and scalp even more frequently than you did before. Only use medicated shampoos on the advisement of your paediatrician because they can also be irritating.
2. Apply oils such as olive oil before washing
The use of oils, preferably olive oil, will help with lifting flakes and scales which sometimes are stuck to the skin.
3. Use a soft brush before washing, then fine-tooth comb afterwards
Using a soft brush prior to washing can be effective in lifting scales. You can then use a fine-tooth comb to lift the flakes from the hair. Using these tools will reduce the likelihood of rubbing the scalp too hard which could cause irritation.
4. Refrain from using your nails to lift scales
Lifting scales with your fingers could infect the area. Infection could exacerbate the condition and cause the baby much discomfort.
Note that hair and scalp should be dried properly at all times.
Dr Griffith noted that while most cradle cap will clear up after a few weeks of proper care, if it persists, spreads, or shows signs of infection such as redness or soreness, then a paediatrician should be consulted immediately.
“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. Additional treatment such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory creams or lotions may be required if the area becomes infected or inflamed,” Dr Griffith said.
— Penda Honeyghan
