How to Treat Cradle Cap in Newborns
Cradle cap in newborns is very common, but it can be frustrating, especially to first time parents. It is a relatively harmless condition but it can cause discomfort and itching. Cradle cap can be treated easily at home. More severe cases may need prescription creams to alleviate the symptoms. Untreated cradle cap can move from your baby’s head down to their face. It is much more difficult to remove when it gets to that point. Simple steps to remove the cradle cap scales will treat the problem and help prevent future outbreaks.
Soak your baby’s hair with water and then rub in baby oil to soften the cradle cap scales. Let the baby oil sit for a few minutes so that it can start to work loosening the scales. Using a fine tooth comb, gently break away the scales. The cradle cap scales will slowly fall away. Rinse your baby’s hair, being careful to keep the water and oil out of their eyes and ears.
Do not try and remove all of the cradle cap at once. Your baby’s sensitive skin will be red and irritated if you try and do too much at once. Comb away the largest scales and the ones that break away easily. Rinse your baby’s hair and let their skin recover for a day before trying to remove more of the cradle cap.
When purchasing a comb, look for one with firm bristles that are close together. Some bristles are too soft and do not allow you the control that you need. Do not worry about it being too hard. You can control the amount of pressure that you apply to your baby’s head.
When using the comb, tilt it at an angle so that the bristles slide underneath the cradle cap scales. Start at your baby’s forehead and work towards the back of their head. Use a gentle brushing motion to loosen the scales.
Do not force any of the cradle cap scales from your baby’s head. It may take several tries to completely break them free. Remove what you can and simply loosen the rest of the cradle cap. The baby oil will work to soften the scales each time it is applied. Excessive rubbing against your baby’s scalp can cause them to loose their newborn hair earlier than they would have otherwise. Be gentle and remove the cradle cap in stages.
Once your baby’s cradle cap is under control, continue to use the comb to massage their scalp every few days. This will prevent cradle cap from developing again in the future.
[table “24” not found /]Photo by Mr Miyagi
