Seborrheic dermatitis (also called Cradle cap among infants) , is a common skin condition. It often starts to develop around 3 months of age. You might notice a crusty or oily patch on the scalp, skin flakes, and mild redness. While it is not painful or itchy for the baby, it does create scales that can be difficult to remove if left untreated. Sometimes cradle cap can be confused with atopic dermatitis, but the essential difference is that while atopic dermatitis causes itchy skin, cradle cap usually does not cause intense itching or discomfort.
The cause for cradle cap is mostly unknown, but one factor could be a hormone passed down from the mother which causes excessive production of oil, or sebum, in the oil glands and hair follicles. Another reason could be a yeast or bacteria that grows in the oil, which is why sometimes certain anti-fungal treatments can be found useful. The condition is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. However, to prevent cradle cap, shampoo your baby’s hair with a mild cleansing product, such as LEMYKA’s gentle Shampoo and Wash. This mild and natural wash gently removes sebum, flakes without drying or irritating your baby’s delicate skin. It is an ideal cradle cap natural wash and a mild shampoo for sensitive skin and crusty scalp.
The condition should clear up on its own in weeks or a few months. Infant seborrheic dermatitis usually disappears by the age of one. It is essential to wash your baby’s scalp daily or every other day with a mild shampoo or wash to help loosen up the scales. You can also brush the scalp gently with a soft brush to loosen them. Do not scratch at the scales or try to remove them.
If your baby’s cradle cap does not appear to clear up on its own, you may also want to try topical creams to help clear the scalp. LEMYKA natural healing lotion is a natural moisturizer with high levels of vitamin E and aloe vera. This gentle formula with calming ingredients help to soften the flakes and scales, making them easy to remove. It also offers itch relief for babies.
If the condition persists or gets worse beyond one year of age, you may want to consult your doctor or pediatrician. They can suggest or prescribe medicated treatment.
