Infantile Cradle Cap - Symptoms and Treatments
What is cradle cap?What is the cause?
No one really knows why some otherwise healthy infants develop cradle cap while others do not. Some authorities propose the mother, just prior to giving birth, had a hormone "rush" across the placenta and this energizes the scalp of the newborn and over stimulates the baby's oil-producing (seborrheic) glands while not being able to slough off the old cells. This messy crust builds up and it's called cradle cap. What we do know is that it's not caused by poor hygiene or allergies. It's not contagious, and it probably doesn't bother your baby at all, although if it gets severe it might itch.
When this rash occurs on the scalp alone, it's known as cradle cap. Although it may start as scaling and redness of the scalp, it can extend to the face, neck and arm pits too, and when it does, pediatricians call it seborrheic dermatitis (because it occurs where there are the greatest numbers of oil-producing sebaceous glands). Seborrheic dermatitis is a noninfectious skin condition and is a form of eczema that's very common in infants, usually beginning in the first weeks of life and slowly disappearing over a period of weeks or months. Unlike atopic or contact eczema, it's rarely uncomfortable or itchy.
How is it diagnosed?
Cradle cap is diagnosed by physical examination. If it has not improved with simple treatment, other diagnoses should be considered and other tests may be necessary.
How should it be treated?
Generally, cradle cap does not need to be treated as long as it doesn't bother you or the baby. If your child's seborrheic dermatitis is confined to his scalp (and is, therefore, just cradle cap), you can treat it yourself. Don't be afraid to shampoo the hair. In fact, you should wash it (with a mild baby shampoo) more frequently than before. This, along with soft brushing, will help remove the scales.
If frequent shampooing doesn't improve the cradle cap, or if the rash spreads to your baby's face, neck and crease areas, call your pediatrician who will probably suggest a stronger scale-dissolving shampoo and also might prescribe a cortisone cream or lotion. One percent hydrocortisone cream is a commonly used preparation.
The following treatments can also be effective although they may need to be repeated to prevent reoccurrences:
* Rub a little olive oil into the baby's scalp before bedtime. This will allow the oil to soften and loosen the scales. In the morning comb the hair with a fine-tooth comb, or soft brush.
*Rub a small amount of Jojoba Oil into your baby's scalp. The oil will solubilize sebum or excess oily scalp build up and make it easier to brush or comb away.
To learn more about other child health, hygiene and social issues, go to http://www.KidsHygieneAndHealth.com.
Kaaryn Walker is the owner of http://www.KidsHygieneAndHealth.com, offering information, tips and support about childhood hygiene and health related issues. The web site also has an "Ask the Expert" section which allows parents seek answers from trained healthcare professionals and tips from other parents.
MORE RESOURCES:
Police investigating injured baby taken to McKeesport ER Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Allegheny County police are investigating after a couple took an injured toddler to UPMC McKeesport yesterday. The parents said their son fell down the ... |
Kids' rooms that will grow with them Chicago Tribune, United States - By Judith Crown | AP Jennifer Cohen wishes she had had the sense to think about the cents she was lavishing on decorations for her baby daughter's bedroom. ... |
Wichita mom arrested for leaving baby in car Kansas City Star, MO - The mother of a toddler who went briefly missing when the family's car was stolen was arrested late Friday on charges of child endangerment and released ... |
Tom Germond I’ll keep running until it kills me Tampa Bay Newspapers, FL - By TOM GERMOND On a cool evening, as I was jogging on the sidewalk along Vonn Road, a woman and her two children were walking toward me. ... |
Injured baby in critical condition TVNZ, New Zealand - A 15-month-old toddler with serious injuries is in a critical condition in Starship Hospital in Auckland. Police are investigating the cause of the injuries ... |
Baby Jaheim was beaten, says autopsy Trinidad & Tobago Express, Trinidad and Tobago - A FRACTURED skull and blunt force trauma to his head, killed two-year-old Jaheim Roberts, an autopsy performed on the toddler revealed yesterday. ... |
Children's programs begin soon at library branches Niagara Falls Review, Canada - Register soon for affordable winter children's programs that begin Jan. 5 at all four branches of the Niagara Falls Public Library. ... |
The Parent Company Voluntarily Petitions for Reorganization ... Reuters - Through its baby business, the company is a leading online retailer of brand-name baby, toddler and maternity products sold through the BabyUniverse.com and ... The Parent Company Voluntarily Petitions for Reorganization ... |
Community to come together for tragic Baby P Wigan Today, UK - Balloons will be released in memory of the toddler, who suffered appalling abuse at the hands of his mother and two other people, which eventually led to ... |
Auburn calendar of events | Dec. 27 Auburn Reporter, WA - Story times: Library offers baby, toddler, preschool, and family story times. Call for details. Algona-Pacific Library, 225 Ellingson Road, Pacific. ... |
|
RELATED SITES Apply Online for Credit Card. Bad Credit, No Credit, No Problem.
Planning a wedding day soon? Everything you need for a beautiful and memorable wedding day
|
The Character Traits of the Typical Libran Baby
Your Libra Baby..
How To Look For Baby Books
Look for Books! The books that you pick to read with your child is very important. If you aren't sure of what books are right for your child, ask a librarian to help you choose titles.
Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide
Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is moreto life than crying, feeding and sleeping? Your wishes arecoming true. Your baby's third month will see her becomemuch more interactive.
Weaning A Baby Onto Solid Food
The best time to wean your baby onto solid food is at about age 6 months. This is because your baby's mouth will start to change around that time to help her cope with the transition.
Quick Tips for a Successful Baby Shower
Here are guidelines or quick baby shower tips for hosting a successful baby shower party. Come and explore these quick tips.
To Invite or not to Invite the Dad to the Shower?
Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per the old tradition, the baby showers are "ladies only" celebrations and generally the dad did not attend them. However, he would arrive at the end of the baby shower to greet and thank all the baby shower guests and the hostess.
A Daddy Baby Shower - New Twist on the old Baby Shower
Try something new, a Daddy Baby Shower. Even though no one would realistically expect a new daddy-to-be to sit around with his closest buddies, opening baby shower gifts and playing party games while oohing and aahing over the imminent birth of his child.
Five Ready Signs to Start Potty Training
Starting new things for your child sometime difficult, but you still have to do it. Potty training is one phase that your child has to go through.
Healthy Baby Food - When is the Best Time to Start Consuming Juice?
Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food. However, there will be a time when the baby needs much more nutrients as they grow up and mother's milk can not accomplish it anymore.
Steps To Dealing With Your Autistic Child
It is most unfortunate that many wonderful parents feel that they lack competence in dealing with their autistic child. It can be strange and depressing to feel like your normal maternal or fatherly instincts can be wrong when it comes with interacting with your own child.
Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words
As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are very aware and concerned about their child's development. One of the most grieved about concern is the development of speech.
Baby's First Year - What to Expect
As a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many things: how will he react to his new surroundings? when will she sleep for more than 2 hours? what can I expect in the following year? an so many other questions..
Choose Baby Bedding Wisely
Every adorable baby deserves equally adorable baby bedding to complete the nursery. There are other things to consider when deciding on what is right for the nursery.
You Have a New Person at Home: Babys Fourth Month Guide
Baby is into her fourth month now.Mom's milk is best.
Baby Girl Clip Art
The online baby girl clip art images help you to design attractive invitation cards and e-greetings easily. The World Wide Web is a great storehouse of information on any subject matter (we too are aiming to contributing to this store).
Baby Shower Checklist for Planning a Baby Shower
Most shower checklists will suggest you start planning approximately four weeks before the intended shower date. This will give you enough time to do everything you need to without feeling rushed.
Real Nappies (Cotton Nappies) or Disposables - The Debate
I'm sure you have heard some of the debate surrounding real nappies, whether you should use them, the environmental impact of disposables and so on. Well, this short summary provides, what I believe to be, a balanced view of the pros and cons of real nappies.
13 Donts on Child Safety
For years, we have been taught that 13 is an unlucky number: Don't go up to the 13th floor of a building and don't go out on Friday the 13th, our grandmothers used to say. But 13 is also a sacred number due to its secret knowledge, mystery and tangible powers.
Why Convertible Cribs Make Sense
Who doesn't love cool gadgets that morph into dozens of tools with a twist of the wrist. Finding baby equipment that grows with your child is like hitting the jackpot - particularly when it involves big ticket items.
What to Look For When Choosing Baby Furniture
If you're a new parent, be aware that you baby will probably spend more time in the nursery than anywhere else. So you do need to make it absolutely safe and comfortable.