Baby skin is quite sensitive and different from adults’, so it requires special attention from Mommy. Often, dandruff or crusts on the little one’s scalp can make Mommy worried. Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as cradle cap, is a common issue during the first three months of a baby’s life. For Mommy experiencing similar concerns, let’s explore the following explanations to understand how to prevent and overcome it!
What Causes Cradle Cap?
The exact cause of cradle cap is not fully known yet. One contributing factor is the decrease in maternal hormones transmitted to the baby before birth. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands to become too active, resulting in excessive sebum production. This leads to the accumulation of dead skin cells on the scalp.
Additionally, the fungus Malassezia furfur is also one of the factors contributing to crust formation on the scalp, as this fungus grows on human skin. Poor hygiene practices and the use of shampoos unsuitable for the baby’s scalp characteristics are initial causes of seborrheic dermatitis. The skin’s reaction to this fungus causes changes in the skin, resulting in a crusty appearance, and in severe cases of cradle cap, yellowish-brown layers can be seen on the scalp.
Signs of Cradle Cap
Crusts on a baby’s scalp are usually marked by oily yellow patches that often resemble crusts. This occurs because when affected by cradle cap, the baby’s skin glands respond by producing excess oil, making the baby’s scalp oily.
Other signs include rough, scaly skin on the scalp, similar to dandruff, and sometimes the rough scalp may appear thickened. However, refrain from scratching it, Moms! This action could cause the baby’s skin to become injured and create new problems.
In severe cases, affected baby skin can also ooze fluid, emit an odor, and form pus-filled crusts. The presence of pus-filled crusts indicates that the skin has become infected as a complication, so if symptoms don’t improve, consult a doctor promptly.
Preventing Cradle Cap
Want to keep the little one free from cradle cap? It’s quite simple! Mommy just needs to regularly wash the baby’s hair and scalp and ensure thorough drying. When caring for the baby’s hair and scalp, ensure the products used are suitable and safe for the baby.
Mommy can apply hair lotion to keep the baby’s skin moist and prevent it from peeling. However, if the baby’s scalp starts to show signs of cradle cap, Mommy can monitor the early symptoms for prompt intervention.
Treating Cradle Cap
Cradle cap can disappear on its own when the baby reaches 6 to 12 months without specific medical treatment, but early intervention is advisable to prevent worsening conditions. To handle cradle cap in the baby, here’s what Mommy can do
- Wash the baby’s hair regularly.
- Shampoo with lukewarm water.
- Use the right shampoo product.
- Rinse the scalp thoroughly.
- Dry the scalp and hair with a soft towel.
- Place the baby in a cool environment, avoiding the use of hats in hot and humid conditions.
- Avoid cradle cap triggers.
Tips for Choosing Products When Treating Cradle Cap!
When choosing products to address scalp crusts, Mommy must be cautious, ensuring the chosen products have the appropriate functions and contain safe ingredients for the baby. Products made from organic materials are certainly better for the baby’s skin. Mommy can consider the Buds Organics Flaky Scalp Oil and Flaky Scalp Cleansing Lotion range, as both products are made from organic ingredients, free from synthetic fragrances, and do not contain harmful chemicals. Additionally, both products are Ecocert certified, guaranteeing their safety for the baby’s use.
Flaky Scalp Oil is specially formulated to treat and prevent crusts on baby skin, as well as nourish and moisturize the baby’s scalp. Flaky Scalp Oil is applied to the baby’s crusty skin.
Flaky Scalp Cleansing Lotion is a shampoo-like lotion designed to rinse baby’s hair, specifically to remove dead skin cells and clean crusts on the baby’s scalp. This product can be used after applying Flaky Scalp Oil.
Cleaning Cradle Cap From the Baby
To clean cradle cap from the baby’s scalp, Mommy can do the following:
- Apply Flaky Scalp Oil to the affected or entire scalp.
- Leave it on for 30-60 minutes to allow it to penetrate and soften the rough scalp.
- Massage the baby’s scalp gently in circular motions, without forcefully removing the scalp crusts.
- Rinse the baby’s scalp with Flaky Scalp Cleansing Lotion as shampoo.
- Repeat this process continuously until the baby is free from cradle cap.
So, those are various things Moms need to know about cradle cap. Mommy doesn’t need to worry anymore; cradle cap will soon disappear with proper care and treatment. Avoid forcing to remove the baby’s crusts by scratching, Moms!