Skin serves as a barrier against harsh substances, infections, and excessive loss of minerals and body fluid. It also regulates body heat. Skin conditions in babies may be the results of allergies, drooling or merely a wet diaper. While some of these skin problems go away on their own, it is essential to keep these problems in check. KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital head and consultant, Dr. Mark Koh Jean Aan, notes, “The skin is the largest organ of the body, and its functions are very important to the health of the other organ systems [1].”
Parents should familiarize themselves with common skin conditions such as cradle cap, atopic eczema, diaper rash, and other common rashes. Adults can also share some of these skin conditions as genetic components are sometimes involved.
What Is Cradle Cap & How To Get Rid Of Cradle Cap In Babies
Cradle cap is also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhoeic dermatitis). Doctors believe this condition is the result of one of two issues. The cause is either overactive sebaceous glands (oil glands) secreting an excess of sebum (oil) into the skin follicles for lubrication or a fungal infection. Typical symptoms of cradle cap include dark, scaly patches on the scalp that ultimately flake and disappear. The crusty patches are generally not itchy, but they sometimes lead to hair loss. Once the sebaceous glands become less active, hair growth returns [2].
Both babies and adults are vulnerable to seborrheic dermatitis. When it occurs on the scalp of an adult, it appears as flakes and is called dandruff. On babies, it is known as cradle cap. Infants develop flaking and large scaly patches all over the scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis presents on the scalp, ears, and face. Dried skin cells appear as flakes. In babies, it is sometimes found in the diaper area and mistaken for diaper rash.
Around 10 to 70 percent of infants from one month to three months of age are affected by cradle cap. It is harmless and not contagious. Cradle cap is not a reflection of poor hygiene.
There are times that cradle cap can become infected. In these cases, your baby may experience itchiness on the scalp. Scratching can make the condition worse.
How To Get Rid Of Cradle Cap In Babies – If your baby develops a skin condition, always feel free to consult your doctor to explore treatment options.
Cradle Cap Treatment For Babies
There is no specific treatment for cradle cap. However, you can apply a small amount of baby oil, mineral oil, or olive oil to loosen the scales. Gently massage the scalp with the oil using a washcloth or your fingers. Do not use too much oil as it can worsen the condition. You can also remove the scales using a mild shampoo and a soft brush or fine-tooth comb. MADE OF baby skin care products are moisturizing, gentle and safe to use for the removal of dry skin flakes for both infants and adults.
For severe cases, your doctor may recommend the use of medicated shampoo. These may contain anti-fungal ingredients like zinc pyrithione or salicylic acid. Never use over-the-counter creams or shampoos formulated for dandruff control on an infant without your doctor’s permission. Their ingredients may cause negative reactions if they are absorbed through your baby’s delicate skin. Even mild anti-dandruff shampoos cause irritation if they get into your baby’s eyes.
What Is The Best Cradle Cap Shampoo For Babies
How To Get Rid Of Cradle Cap In Babies – Veer away from using medicated shampoos as these may contain harsh ingredients. You can treat cradle cap with all natural remedies such as the MADE OF Foaming Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash.
The MADE OF Foaming Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash is a gentle yet effective way to treat cradle cap without harsh ingredients. This mild baby shampoo is made from plant-based ingredients and is sulfate-free, keeping your baby safe and healthy while being treated. It contains 77% organic and 23% natural ingredients, so it does not strip your baby’s skin of its natural oils.
MADE OF Foaming Organic Baby Shampoo & Body Wash contains caprylhydroxamic acid or octane hydroxamic acid sourced from raw virgin coconut oil. Instead of parabens, the baby shampoo and wash makes use of this plant-based antimicrobial ingredient to prevent bacteria.
It is also made of decyl glucoside, a gentle ingredient for cleansing, glycerin which is a moisturizer, aloe vera which has hydration and anti-inflammatory properties, calendula oil, and sunflower oil for skin conditioning. It also contains jojoba oil which acts as an excellent emulsifier for sensitive skin. The other ingredients are comfrey oil, sodium lauroyl lactylate, and glyceryl caprylate.
Washing your baby’s hair is a natural way to treat cradle cap. Massage MADE OF Baby Shampoo into your infant’s hair. Then, use a soft brush or a fine-toothed comb to remove the flakes.
Frequent washing can also lead to dry skin and in turn cause flakiness. Finding the right frequency is essential.
Do not be overwhelmed if your infant develops cradle cap. Although it can look alarming, the condition is harmless and temporary.
[How To] Easily Help Treat Cradle Cap
Beyond Cradle Cap: A Word About Other Skin Problems
Baby Rashes
The sweat glands of babies are not yet fully developed. When the sweat glands are blocked, the result is prickly heat, also known as heat rash. Its symptoms include small bumps on the baby’s buttocks or back. It is caused by excessive sweating, thick swaddling, high baby fever or heavy creams [3].
Baby Diaper Rash
Up to 35% of babies from birth to one-year experience diaper dermatitis. This is manifested in the form of red rashes on the diaper-covered skin. Among its causes are excessive moisture due to diaper use, yeast or fungal infection, urine and stool contact. Prompt changing of diapers and applying an organic, natural diaper cream prevent and heal diaper rash effectively.
Baby Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema is a skin problem that affects children, adults, and babies. Itchy, reddened, dry skin patches appear on the arms, legs, and cheeks of the baby. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but it can be triggered by house dust, viral infections, high temperatures, and allergens. It is important that your child’s pediatrician diagnoses eczema. Your child may not outgrow this condition and may need to be medicated, topical ointments.
Trending Now Must Read
[otw-bm-list id=”1″]
How To Get Rid Of Cradle Cap In Babies & How Do You Get Rid Of Cradle Cap Resources;
[1] HealthXChange; Common Baby Skin Conditions: Symptoms & Causes.[2] Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap).
[3] Standford Medicine, Newborn Nursery; Skin.
