How to Get Rid of Cradle Cap on Babies

Did you find a crust on your little one’s head? Don’t panic, Mama. It’s called a cradle cap and it’s harmless. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of cradle cap on babies!

“Cradle cap is a harmless and common skin condition in babies. It usually goes away on its own, but there are a few things you can try to make it better.” – NHS UK

In medical terms, cradle cap or crust is called seborrheic dermatitis. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 7 out of 10 babies experience cradle cap between the ages of 2-6 weeks.

Characteristics and Causes of Cradle Cap

The characteristics of a cradle cap on a baby’s head are as follows:

A brown or yellowish crust that resembles fish scales.
Usually accompanied by a red rash.
The crust feels crumbly and oily to the touch.
Not contagious and not harmful.
Does not cause hair loss or scars.
Usually does not cause itching or discomfort in the baby.

The appearance of this scalp crust on a baby’s head is usually odorless. Even if it has a smell, it’s generally not strong. If it smells unpleasant, it may be caused by a bacterial infection that must be checked by a doctor.

According to Mayo Clinic, the exact cause of cradle cap is still unknown. However, the hormones passed from the mother to the baby before birth are likely one of the factors.

These hormones can lead to excessive oil (sebum) production in the baby’s hair follicles. Another possibility is the fungus Malassezia, which grows in sebum along with bacteria. Antifungal treatments are often effective in treating this crust on the baby’s head.

Usually, the cradle cap will disappear on its own within a few weeks or months. However, if you don’t want to wait that long, here are some ways to remove the crust on your baby’s head that you can try.

Gently wash the baby’s hair with a fragrance-free baby shampoo.
Gently rub the baby’s scalp with baby oil to help soften the crust so that it can peel off.
Use baby oil overnight and then wash with baby shampoo in the morning.
Do not use olive oil, peanut oil, or adult shampoo.
Do not attempt to peel off the crust on the baby’s scalp by scraping since it can cause infection.

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It’s everything you need, Mama, and the benefits are great! This hair lotion is also definitely safe since it doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like alcohol and toxins. So, it’s really suitable for even the most sensitive baby scalp.

Using it is a breeze, too. After shampooing with Mama’s Choice Hair and Body Wash, pour this vitamin lotion onto your hands, then gently rub and massage the baby’s scalp. Do it regularly, and look forward to having thick and healthy baby hair, Mama!