What are these crusty yellow or white flakes on my baby's scalp? I am worried my baby is just 3 months old, and I don't know how to treat it. Mothers, don't worry, this is cradle cap. A condition very common in infants, but is totally harmless and usually goes on its own. It affects almost all infants in some way. Cradle cap is a type of seborrheic dermatitis that affects infants. It usually affects babies during the first year of life, most commonly occurring at 3 months. Although the condition may also affect your child in the second year of life but the good news is that cradle cap has no negative implications.
In this article, we will help you understand cradle cap. Furthermore, we will also share cradle cap treatment, its causes, stages and complications. The article also includes home care tips and tricks to relieve cradle cap symptoms. It also educates you on when to consult a pediatrician and what the signs of secondary infection are. Read to the end to understand your baby's condition in depth.
Understanding Cradle Cap in Infants
Baby cradle cap or pityriasis capitis, which is the formal name for it, is a subtype of infantile seborrheic dermatitis. Characterised by the appearance of dry or greasy yellowish flakes on the scalp of babies, this non-inflammatory condition is usually self-limiting. It resolves on its own, but it does not cause itching or pain in most cases. Cradle cap mainly affects the areas where the activity of sebaceous gland is high specially the scalp, hence its name referring to the location. Additionally, in some babies, it may also be seen on the T-zone of the face or external ears.
Cradle cap primarily affects babies under one year of age. Rare incidences of cradle cap in toddlers can also be seen; however, the peak age affected is 3 months. The good thing is that it does not need any active action. Parents must understand the palliative care required to avoid complications. This is the reason parents' education about the condition is crucial.
Cradle Cap Baby: Common Signs and Symptoms
Cradle cap has distinguishing signs and symptoms that set it apart from other skin conditions. The cradle cap symptoms are self-limited, meaning they resolve on their own and do not require any special remedies or treatment protocols. The most common cradle cap symptoms are:
Scales
The appearance of yellow or white scales marks the beginning of cradle cap. Early signs of cradle cap include flaky or greasy patches on the scalp. These scales represent dead skin.
Location
A cradle cap baby might exhibit the scales on the scalp or some other parts of the body. Mild cradle cap is limited to the scalp, but it might spread to areas such asthe eyebrows, eyelids, ears, neck, armpits, groin, or diaper area.
Discomfort
Cradle cap is usually not itchy and does not cause any discomfort for the baby.
Underlying Causes and Contributing Factors
The exact cause of cradle cap is not known; however, some of the causes are discussed below.
- Cradle cap in newborns is caused by overactive sebaceous glands that produce oil and sebum.
- Another cause of cradle cap is the mother's hormones, which are passed to the baby before birth. Hormonal disruption causes dead skin to remain attached to the scalp rather than shed.
- Cradle cap in toddlers and infants can also be caused by a fungus called Malassezia, which reacts with the sebum and oil on the scalp and causes inflammation.
The important thing to remember here is that if the baby has the genetic predisposition to atopy or allergies, the likelihood of developing Cradle cap can also increase. While in some cases, due to this tendency, extensive Cradle cap can serve as a marker that the baby is developing Eczema.
Fungal-Infected Cradle Cap and Skin Complications
Fungal-infected cradle cap is caused by the yeast Malassezia. It is a type of yeast that infects the sebum and oil produced by glands. It causes mild inflammation; however, complications causing severe cradle cap symptoms may arise due to secondary bacterial infection as well. The symptoms of severe cradle cap can be:
- Fever
- Redness
- Tightly stuck, greasy, yellow or light brown scales.
- Red, inflamed skin, blistered skin beneath or around the scales.
- Foul odor from the scalp area, mainly due to the buildup of oils and debris.
- Scales spreading to other parts, such as cradle cap on the forehead, eyelids, elbows, and diaper area.
Cradle Cap Treatments Recommended by Paediatricians
The medical condition infantile seborrheic dermatitis, also known as Cradle Cap, is a common scalp condition in babies. Paediatricians usually recommend treatment options mainly focusing on scalp care. As the condition is self-limiting and resolves on its own within a few weeks or months, treatment protocols target softening and removing scales. Medicated therapies or solutions must be sought only when extremely necessary. The skin scales in Cradle Cap must not be pricked or scratched.
A doctor might prescribe the following treatments.
- Antibacterial and antifungal shampoos, when needed.
- Hydrocortisone creams
- Seborrheic shampoos
To avoid any complications and maintain optimal newborn skincare, parents must avoid over-the-counter drugs and creams.
Cradle Cap Self-Care and Home Support
The most effective way to alleviate the symptoms is through cradle cap self-care. Some parents might panic, confusing cradle cap with Eczema or psoriasis. However, cradle cap only requires at-home care. Here are some tips to help mitigate the signs and symptoms of cradle cap.
- Rinse hair daily with a mild baby shampoo.
- If the scales don't loosen, apply petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or moisturising cream, let it soak into the scales, then use a soft brush to remove the scales.
- Brush off the scales using a soft brush or comb.
Safe Ways to Get Rid of Cradle Cap
As a parent, cradle cap can be stressful to deal with. Here are some safe and easy methods to help treat the symptoms of cradle cap while providing relief for your little one's delicate skin.
Loosen & Remove Crust
For those looking for ways to help manage and relieve a baby's cradle cap without harsh chemicals, gently loosening and removal of the crusty patches through wiping with a muslin cloth and warm water is an effective method. As always, take care to ensure you are gentle while wiping the baby's cradle cap-affected areas in order to avoid any aggressive scrubbing and ensure both safety and comfort during treatment.
Use Baby Oil
Baby oil is an easy, effective way to naturally get rid of cradle cap. To use baby oil, simply massage the scalp with the oil for about three to five minutes. This helps to loosen and break up any white or yellow flakes and moisturizes the baby's scalp. Let the baby oil sit on their head for around 10 to 20 minutes before gently brushing off any remaining flakes and then rinsing with lukewarm water. When finished, dry the baby's head completely with a soft towel. Later, you can also apply a thin layer of baby oil and leave it on, depending on how dry their scalp is.
Massage Baby's Scalp
Massaging a baby's scalp is one way to help reduce many of the symptoms seen in Cradle cap. Massage the baby's scalp with gentle strokes so that the affected areas can be softened. Make sure that the baby remains calm throughout this process while you are massaging their scalp. This method has been known to help reduce the flaking and drying of cradle cap in babies and may encourage healthy hair growth. With consistent and gentle massaging, parents should notice a reduction in symptoms in a few days.
Gently Shampoo
One of the most important components of treatment for Cradle Cap is a daily but gentle shampoo routine with a mild baby shampoo or one specifically designed for cradle cap. Start by washing the baby's scalp with warm water and baby shampoo, and gently massage in circles with your fingertips. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Cradle cap should gradually decrease as the baby's scalp is cleansed. Be sure to avoid shampoos that contain harsh detergents or fragrances and use only baby-safe solutions, so the baby is kept comfortable and safe.
Use a Mild Cream
Another effective way to help soothe cradle cap is the use of a mild cream on the baby's scalp. The cream should be applied twice a day for a few weeks. It is important always to use moisturizers that are dermatologist-recommended or are specifically formulated for babies' delicate skin and not products meant for adults, as the ingredients in those products can cause more harm than good.
Cradle Cap Progression and Recovery
Cradle cap is a self-limiting skin condition that resolves on its own. It is a non-contagious disease and usually does not require active treatment. Most cases of cradle cap start in the first few weeks after birth, and full recovery is expected at 6 to 12 months of age.
In some cases, the condition progresses from mild non-itchy scales to inflamed patches with secondary infection. The inflammation causes redness, itchiness, and blood oozing in severe cases. In some rare cases, hair loss is also seen; however, the hair grows back naturally once the signs of cradle cap resolve. Such cases need immediate medical attention.
When to Visit the Doctor
If you notice that your baby's Cradle cap is worsening day by day or makes the baby uncomfortable or distressed, or if the rash does not improve after a few weeks of simple home remedies, it's advisable to seek medical attention. A doctor can evaluate the baby for other causes of rash and infection and take appropriate steps to address them. If cradle cap persists despite trying self-care strategies at home, don't hesitate to visit your pediatrician for advice and treatment.
FAQ's
How to get rid of cradle cap?
Cradle cap is a self-limiting condition that alleviates on its own. You do not need medical treatment for most cases. In-home self-care is sufficient to manage the symptoms. The essential steps are to keep the scalp clean, gently remove scales, and moisturize the scalp to tackle dryness.
Do all babies get cradle cap?
No, not all babies get cradle cap; however, the condition is prevalent in infants, and a large percentage of babies get it.Despite the condition being common, the parents might be thinking of it as a discomforting skin condition like Eczema and psoriasis. However, it does not affect the baby's health and comfort.
How long does cradle cap last?
The exact duration of the skin condition varies from child to child. A cradle cap can last from a few weeks to a few months. The condition resolves on its own. Complete recovery is usually seen by 12 months of age, while in a few cases the condition may extend up to the second year of life.
Is cradle cap contagious?
No, cradle cap is not contagious. It is a form of seborrheic dermatitis, and it does not spread by contact or any other means. You don't need to isolate the baby from other siblings.
Who Is at Risk?
Cradle capis found on babies. According to data by NCBI, it usually affects 70% of infants in the first 3 months and declines through one year. The prevalence is not gender specific and is almost 10% in both. However, 7% babies are also affected in the second year.
But genetic factors or tendencies from the baby's parents to certain atopies or allergies can predispose the child to cradle cap development. Additionally,some studies suggest that certain skin microbiomes may lead to a baby becoming susceptible to cradle cap; however, no definitive answer has been reached yet. Ultimately, any baby could potentially develop cradle cap, and parents' awareness about this condition can help them cope with it well.
Conclusion
Cradle cap, which is commonly known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a highly prevalent condition in infants. Babies under one year of age can develop cradle cap. Cradle cap is a mild condition that is characterized by greasy or flaky scales on the scalp. There is no itching, redness, or inflammation in the mild cradle cap.
Severe or secondary infected cradle cap can be associated with bacterial infections and inflammation. The affected parts can become red and itchy, and the baby might develop a fever. This condition needs immediate medical attention.
If your baby has cradle cap, there is no need to worry; focus on good hygiene and home care, such as gentle cleaning, brushing, and moisturising, to help mitigate the symptoms. You can use mild shampoos, olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, colloidal oatmeal, and mild moisturizing creams to treat Cradle Cap in your baby.
