🍼💫 Worried about those pesky patches on your baby’s head? 😟 Fear not! Dive into our guide on cradle cap—learn the causes, symptoms, and simple remedies to keep your baby’s scalp healthy and happy! 🌟 #BabyCare #CradleCap

What is Cradle Cap?

This is a skin condition (also known as seborrheic dermatitis) that causes inflammation, scaly or flaky patches, and sometimes itching. It usually affects areas with many oil glands.

Cradle cap can cause inflammation and greasy, yellow scales on the head. It can also cause inflamed patches and greasy scales on the face, diaper area, or other areas.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include:

• Inflammation on the skin and eyelids – This can appear red in people with light skin and dark brown or purple in people with darker skin.
• Scaly patches on the skin that can look oily or greasy
• Scales or flakes that look white on the head or hair – This is the most common symptom of dandruff).
• Mild itching
• Crusty, yellow material on the eyelashes

Is there a test?

No. A doctor can usually tell by doing an exam and asking you questions.

If your doctor is not sure, they might do a skin biopsy. For this test, they will take a small sample of skin from an affected area, then look at it under a microscope.

How is it treated?

Most babies do not need treatment. This is because cradle cap usually goes away on its own. It can take a few weeks or months.

If treatment is required, it usually includes:

• Skin creams and ointments – These can help stop itching and inflammation. They might contain medicines that kill fungus (called “antifungal medicines”), steroids, or other medicines.
• Shampoos with antifungal or steroid medicine

What can I do at home on my own?

If your baby has cradle cap, you can try:

• Washing the area with baby shampoo, and using a soft toothbrush or fine-tooth comb to remove scaly skin.
• Putting a small amount of oil (such as petroleum jelly, vegetable oil, mineral oil, or baby oil) on your baby’s head to loosen scaly skin. You can leave this on overnight, if needed. Next, brush the baby’s scalp gently with a soft brush to remove scales. Then, wash the area with regular (not medicated) baby shampoo.

If your baby still has cradle cap after you try these things, talk to your doctor.

Reference: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cradle-cap-and-seborrheic-dermatitis-in-infants?search=cradle%20cap&sectionRank=2&usage_type=default&anchor=H29306861&source=machineLearning&selectedTitle=1~11&display_rank=1#H29306861

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