Cradle cap in babies

Your baby's sweet smile is irresistible, but when whitish scales suddenly appear on his scalp, you start to worry.

Don't worry! Cradle cap in babies is a common and mostly harmless phenomenon. In this blog post, you'll learn what cradle cap is, how you can treat it and gently remove it, and why your little darling will still be radiant. Let's take a look at the most important questions about cradle cap in babies.

What is cradle cap?

Cradle cap is a common and usually harmless skin problem that occurs mainly in babies in the first few months of life. It appears as yellowish or whitish scales that form on the baby's scalp. This phenomenon can worry parents because it often gives the impression that the baby has dry skin or flaky skin.

But what is cradle cap actually and how does it arise?

Cradle cap is not a serious disease, but a type of seborrhoeic dermatitis that can occur especially in the first months of your baby's life. It is an excessive production of sebaceous gland secretions on the scalp. This leads to the dead skin cells not being shed as usual, but condensing into scales under the influence of the sebum.

The scales of cradle cap are usually yellowish to whitish and may also feel slightly oily. They often form thick, crusty layers on the scalp, but can also appear in the eyebrows, the edge of the diapers, and behind the ears. Although cradle cap is most common in infants, it can also occur in older children and adults.

However, it is important to be careful not to remove the scales forcefully as this can cause skin irritation. Gentle care and regular brushing of the baby's scalp can help to gradually loosen the scales. In some cases, it may be necessary to use special care products to treat cradle cap.

All in all, cradle cap is a temporary skin problem that occurs in many infants. It usually does not require any special medical treatment if it is mild, but it is important to be patient and sensitive to ensure your baby's well-being and health. If it is more severe, a pediatrician should be consulted to avoid secondary diseases.

Cradle cap in babies: the causes

Although the causes of cradle cap are not fully understood, there are several factors that can contribute to its development.

The main cause of cradle cap is the excessive activity of the sebaceous glands on the baby's scalp. They produce more sebum than the skin can process efficiently at this tender age. The excess sebum, along with dead skin cells, forms the characteristic scales of cradle cap. This imbalance may be due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and after birth. The hormones that the baby receives in the womb through the placenta play a role in regulating sebum production and after birth it may take some time for this process to stabilize.

Difference between cradle cap and head gneiss

Cradle cap and cradle cap are two common skin problems that can occur in infants, and they are often confused. But there are differences between the two that are important to recognize. We'll take a closer look to help you find the right care for your baby.

Appearance

Head gneiss:

• • • Within the first month of life
    • resembles cradle cap, but the scales are often smaller and finer. The scales are greasy and soft
    • can also occur in the eyebrows and behind the ears
    • the skin is slightly reddened

Causes

Head gneiss:

• • • usually also due to excessive sebum production
    • can be caused by an excessive reaction of the sebaceous glands

texture

Head gneiss:

• • • the scales tend to be softer and slightly oily

Odor

Head gneiss:

• • • generally has no characteristic smell

itching

Head gneiss:

• • Usually, cradle cap does not itch

Treatment

Head gneiss:

• • • also in most cases not painful and does not require any special treatment
    • Gentle cleaning and regular brushing can also be helpful

Distinguishing between cradle cap and scalp sclera can be difficult at times, as both skin problems have similar characteristics. In both cases, it is important not to forcefully pull or remove the scales, as this can irritate the baby's delicate skin. The good news is that both conditions usually resolve on their own over time as the baby's sebum production returns to normal.

Cradle cap is the far more common, harmless and uncomplicated form, which heals on its own and without consequences. In contrast, children with “real” cradle cap are at increased risk of developing atopic dermatitis.

If you are unsure whether your baby has cradle cap or head gneiss, talk to your pediatrician about the correct course of action.

Treating cradle cap in babies

If your baby develops cradle cap, it's completely normal to be worried. But don't panic - cradle cap and head thrush are usually harmless and can be treated gently.

Treatment of cradle cap:

The good news is that in most cases, cradle cap will go away on its own once the sebum production on your baby's scalp returns to normal. In the meantime, however, there are some steps you can take to treat the dandruff and improve your child's well-being:

1. Gentle cleansing: Use a mild baby shampoo and warm water to clean your baby's scalp regularly. Make sure to wash the hair gently and do not rub it so as not to aggravate the dandruff.

2. Regular brushing: A soft Baby comb or a Baby brush can help to gently loosen and remove the dandruff. Use the comb in the direction of hair growth to avoid irritating the scalp.

3. Organic care comb: A high-quality Organic care comb is an excellent choice for treating cradle cap in your baby. This specially designed comb is gentle on your baby's sensitive scalp and helps to gently remove the scales.

4. Wait for time: In most cases, cradle cap disappears on its own over time. It requires patience and gentle care.

5. Controlled room temperature: Don't keep the room temperature too high, as heat can stimulate sebum production. A cooler, but still comfortable, sleeping environment can help.

The use of oils or fatty lotions should be avoided as this can stimulate sebum production. If you are unsure or your baby's cradle cap is severe, it is advisable to consult a pediatrician. In most cases, gentle care is the key to relieving and treating cradle cap.