With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Cradle Caps
A common problem for newly born babies is the cradle crap. Here, you can observe some yellowish, greasy, patchy, scaly and crusty skin that develops on the scalp of the babies. This is not itchy and are in most cases neither troublesome. In medical term it is known as infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis. The condition is harmless, nonetheless you can try out the home remedies for cradle scalp to reduce and treat them completely!
Cause for Cradle Scalp:
The main reason behind the condition on the infant's scalp is not known. But the possible causes for the condition are:
- Infection
- Allergy
- Lack or poor hygiene
- Hormones which can be of the mother that may still be the baby
- Overactive of sebaceous glands in the skin of the babies can be a prime cause of cradle crap
- Lack of nutrition in the child's body which is caused by the immature digestive system of the baby
- Unable to absorb sufficient amount of vitamins particularly vitamin B complex
Symptoms for Cradle Cap:
This commonly occurs in the first three months and becomes quite prominent when the rash occurs around the ears, eyelids and eyebrows. In older children, these can be likely dandruff than seborrhoeic dermatitis. According to the survey, nearly half of the babies are affected by it and in only few cases the condition can become severe. As a mother, following signs and symptoms will help you know whether your child is suffering from cradle caps or not.
- A patch of scaling that can occur on the scalp of your baby
- A thick crust can be observed on the scalp
- Sometime you can notice some greasy skin which can have some flaky white or some yellow flakes on the scalp
- Mild redness
- These can sometime cover the entire scalp or only some part of the scalp
Although the cradle cap is not a painful condition, this can become really itchy or irritating to a child.
For milder condition, the home remedies are the best way to treat them. Below are common methods that are practiced by many mothers to lessen and speed up the healing process of the scalp.
- The cradle cap usually begins when the hair grows and the condition can get worse if you apply some harsh shampoo. Therefore, try out the natural way to reduce the condition. Massage the scalp when you notice dry scalp. Leave this overnight that will soften the scalp and reduce the cradle cap.
- Vegetable oil also works well in treating the cradle scalp. Add few drops of lemon or you can add eucalyptus essence in some almond or avocado oil. Massage the scalp of the babies gently to see some instant effect.
- Another method you can try out is apply a small amount of olive oil or almond oil and rub them gently on the scalp and leave it for about 15-20 minutes. You can finally use a soft baby comb to remove the flakes. The next morning wash the scalp of your baby with a mild baby shampoo. As the oil should not be left for too long on the scalp.
- Another treatment to loosen the flakes on the scalps is to use some petroleum jelly. This will make the process of releasing the flakes easier. Rinse this properly using a mild shampoo.
- Essential oil like lavender can too work well to reduce the condition. All you got to do is pour few drops of the oil on your palm and gently massage over the scalp of your baby. This will soothe and calm the dry flakes. However, do not forget to wash the remaining oil from the scalp the next morning with a mild shampoo.
- A very good and effective extract of a scrub is the witch hazel. This can be easily available in the local health centre. You just have to dilute this extract with some warm water. Now, use a clean and soft cloth to dip into the solution and apply this on the scalp. You can use this several times in a day.
- A very good and common method that is practice by many people is to use some very good herbal teabags. You can use either use the teabags of mildew sweet or of comfrey root. You just need to apply directly on the scalp so that the flakes become soft and can be easily remove using a soft comb.
Preventive Measures for Cradle Cap:
- An important tip so that your baby does not get the problem or make the condition worse is not to shampoo their hair regularly. Instead of shampooing their hair daily, go for once in two days.
- And yes do not pick or pull the scaly skin as this can make the condition worse.
- Use a fine and wide toothed comb that can help to remove the flakes.
- Enrich your diet as this will help if you are nursing your baby. Have food such as fish, bananas, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, whole green cereals and avocados.
- Zinc is extremely beneficial which helps in the formation of healthy skin. Therefore, zinc requirement is important for pregnant and nursing mothers.
These home remedies for cradle cap can be effective to improve the condition and reduce the symptoms associated with the problem. If the condition persists and the irritations are not reduced considerably, consult the pediatrician as soon as possible.
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