Home remedies - Cradle cap is easily removed

Cradle cap is a condition also known as Infantile Dermatitis Seborrheic.

It starts with small, reddened patches that start flaking turning into yellowish color.

This condition is caused by an overproduction of oil glands of the scalp.

In most cases, baby cradle cap is easily treated and is no major cause for concern.

Cradle cap treatment

When my daughter was just born, she lacked hair, but the scalp started getting flaky within days. At first, it resembled dandruff, but after a while, her scalp was covered with cradle cap.

This condition does not look attractive, but is easily removed.

A few things you could use as a cradle cap treatment:

Olive Oil
Almond Oil
Johnson baby oil

Use a generous amount of oil and rub it into the baby’s scalp. Let it soak for 20 minutes or so, or use your fingers to determine if the scales have softened. This will tell you that they are ready to be removed.

Use a fine comb and gently comb the scales out.You could repeat this treatment every evening until it is gone.

The oils help dissolve the grease that causes the condition. Don't leave the oils on for too long. Some studies have shown that some yeasts thrive in these oils, and that is something you certainly want to avoid.

If your baby has no hair, use a washcloth and gently rub the baby’s head.

This condition usually appears within the first 3 months after the baby is born. It is not contagious and can sometimes itch.

If the baby is more than 6 months old, consult a pediatrician. He will probably recommend using a seborrheic shampoo which is usually based on salycilic acid, the one found in aspirin face mask.

One more thing to keep in mind when it comes to cradle cap is baby bedding. Use organic, natural fabrics such as cotton. It "breathes" better and it is less likely to irritate baby's sensitive skin.

Additional baby skin conditions and remedies pages

Diaper rash and how to soothe it

Natural baby wipe recipes

Baby eczema

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