Infantile seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap is a common ailment affectingmany babies to some degree.
Seborrhea is a condition where the sebaceous glands produced too much oil.
One theory put forward as to the cause is that the some hormones from the mother may remain in the newborn baby and that given time the cradle cap will disappear.
Cradle cap appears as a flaky dandruff that can build up into a thick crust on the scalp.
Mild cases willnot cause the baby any distress, it does not itch and is non-contagious, so parents need not worry.
However severe cases may itch and feel sore.
It can spread to other parts of the body, for example, around the neck, on the face, in the arm pits and genital areas.
It is unsightly and there is a risk of a secondary infection, so it is wise to treatit in its early stages rather than allow a thick crust to form.
Early cradle cap can be treated by daily shampooing.
Many parents think that shampoos may worsen the condition, but gentle brushing with a soft brush to loosen the flakes followed by shampooing to remove them is often all that is needed.
If the condition is a problem with an older child, an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner will often remove it.
Sadly some children who suffer will later develop atropic dermatitis or eczema.
If this happens a physician should be consulted, eczema is a very itchy, uncomfortable condition made worse by scratching.
Seborrheic dermatitismay also occur during the teenage years when hormone changes are taking place and re-occur again during adulthood, particularly when the patient is under stress.
If the cradle cap is particularly unsightly and shampooing does not remove it, there are a number of creams on the market that may help.
A herbal remedy such as Clearskin-E Cream from Native Remedies is also designed to treat eczema and is a save choice to use with babies.
While cradle cap is a very common ailment it should not be allowed to worsen, any condition affecting a young baby needs to be dealt with.
If the condition does not respond to daily shampooing or an over the counter medication, you should seek help from your doctor.
A severe case may be treated by a prescription shampoo or lotion.
These may containselenium, ketoconazole or corticosteroids.
This article is for information only and the author accepts no liability for any action taken.
All health issues should be discussed with a physician.
Seborrhea is a condition where the sebaceous glands produced too much oil.
One theory put forward as to the cause is that the some hormones from the mother may remain in the newborn baby and that given time the cradle cap will disappear.
Cradle cap appears as a flaky dandruff that can build up into a thick crust on the scalp.
Mild cases willnot cause the baby any distress, it does not itch and is non-contagious, so parents need not worry.
However severe cases may itch and feel sore.
It can spread to other parts of the body, for example, around the neck, on the face, in the arm pits and genital areas.
It is unsightly and there is a risk of a secondary infection, so it is wise to treatit in its early stages rather than allow a thick crust to form.
Early cradle cap can be treated by daily shampooing.
Many parents think that shampoos may worsen the condition, but gentle brushing with a soft brush to loosen the flakes followed by shampooing to remove them is often all that is needed.
If the condition is a problem with an older child, an anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner will often remove it.
Sadly some children who suffer will later develop atropic dermatitis or eczema.
If this happens a physician should be consulted, eczema is a very itchy, uncomfortable condition made worse by scratching.
Seborrheic dermatitismay also occur during the teenage years when hormone changes are taking place and re-occur again during adulthood, particularly when the patient is under stress.
If the cradle cap is particularly unsightly and shampooing does not remove it, there are a number of creams on the market that may help.
A herbal remedy such as Clearskin-E Cream from Native Remedies is also designed to treat eczema and is a save choice to use with babies.
While cradle cap is a very common ailment it should not be allowed to worsen, any condition affecting a young baby needs to be dealt with.
If the condition does not respond to daily shampooing or an over the counter medication, you should seek help from your doctor.
A severe case may be treated by a prescription shampoo or lotion.
These may containselenium, ketoconazole or corticosteroids.
This article is for information only and the author accepts no liability for any action taken.
All health issues should be discussed with a physician.
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