Baby Cradle Cap -Its Causes and Treatment Information on the causes and treatment of baby and infant cradle cap

Cause of cradle cap Cradle cap or infantile seborrheic dermatitis, to give its correct name, is a skin disorder of the scalp normally affecting babies. It can also occur behind the ears, around the neck, armpits and even the genital area. Mild cases are unlikely to bother the baby and is a quite common, non-contagious condition, so parents should not worry. Severe cases may itch and feel sore so you should consult your doctor. No one is really sure of the cause, a number of theories have been put forward, but it is thought that hormones from the mother's body, still present in the baby when it is born, may be a factor and that, given time,the cradle cap clears up, although some children do later develop infantile eczema (atropic dermatitis). Eczema is very itchy and you will need to seek advice from your doctor. Baby cradle cap treatment Cradle cap looks like dry,scaly, red patches clinging to the scalp. If it is severe it can form a yellow greasy looking layer. Many people mistakenly think that it is due to poor hygiene, but this is not true. Try to remove the cradle cap before it becomes too thick, but remember that the skin is very sensitive, if you damage it a secondary infection may occur. Rub a little baby oil into the scalp daily and then use a very soft brush to gently loosen the flakes. Finally shampoo with a mild baby shampoo. If the cradle cap is severe your doctor may prescribe a hydrocortisone cream. I have a particular interest in cradle cap as a baby in the family developed a thick crust that took months to clear. This child later went on to develop eczema. Several generations of the family have suffered from psoriasis suggesting a genetic connection, however research into seborrheic dermatitis has yet to establish the cause and a number of factors may be involved. Seborrheic dermatitis may also reoccur during puberty when there are hormone changes. Infant cradle cap Cradle cap can sometimes persist for several years and if you have an older child with the problem, an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner will often remove it. It certainly worked with another three year old in my family, although the cradle cap was not severe. Check with your physician that your child is old enough to use an adult shampoo. Your physician should always be consulted before taking any remedial action. Disclaimer Fromtots2teens.com accepts no liability for the content of this site nor for the opinions or information in any article. It does not accept liability for companies linked to this site. Advice on health matters should always be confirmed with a doctor and no liability is accepted for any action taken. Sitemap

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