Mothers may observe cradle cap in babies during the first few months after their babies are born. This is also referred to by doctors as seborrheic dermatitis. Although cradle cap in babies is not dangerous, it is however unsightly to look at. This scalp condition of babies may last until they are about a year old but is some babies, it could be longer.
Cradle cap in babies does not only appear on their scalp. Sometimes they also have it on their eyebrows, eyelids or on their armpits and in other creases. The real cause of this condition in babies is generally not yet known although doctors think that this may be due to the hormones that the babies have received when their mothers were on their last stages of pregnancy. These hormones may have stimulated the oil-producing glands in babies thus resulting to cradle cap.
Cradle cap in babies is not transferred to others. However, this may become itchy when there is too much of it on the babies’ scalps. Mothers may just let this condition as it is but if they are bothered, they can do something about it. They can massage the scalp of their babies or they can also make use of a soft brush to gently loosen the scales off. Mothers may also try shampooing their babies more often and then brushing their hair carefully. They make check on baby shampoos that are manufactured for this purpose.
If the cradle cap in babies persists, mothers can try to swab some natural oil on the scalp and they may leave it for a few minutes before gently brushing off the scales. This remedy should be followed by shampooing the babies to remove the other flakes and the oil on their hair and on their scalp. However, if all remedies fail and mothers see that the cradle cap in babies is severe, they may consult with their doctors so that proper treatment may be given especially when there is some yeast infection or the scalp looks inflamed.
To lessen the occurrence of cradle cap in babies, mothers may keep the scalp of their babies hydrated. They can put some emollient ointment on the affected areas after shampooing and patting their hair a little to remove excess water. The use of ointments will keep the scalp hydrated by retaining a little water above the crusts. Mothers may also give more water intake for their babies to keep their skin hydrated from inside. These are some of the things that mothers can do in order to ease their problem on cradle cap in babies.
