Seborrheic Dermatitis in Newborns and Infants
Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap is common in newborns and young babies.
It is not completely understood, but is thought to be due to overactive sebaceous (oil) glands. These glands produce an over abundance of sebum that cakes on the skin. It is usually found on the crown of the head (see link near bottom for pictures of cradle cap). However, it can spread or be found on the forehead, eyebrows, behind the ears and neck. Luckily, seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp is more unsightly than it is dangerous. It is not known to hurt or trouble the infant and usually bothers the parents more than the child. Due to messy flaking and the slight chance that the skin can become infected, cradle cap treatment is needed. While severe cases of seborrheic dermatitis are rare, mild to moderate cases can be controlled with
natural baby products
and specific cradle cap treatment.
Cradle Cap Treatment...Applying baby oil to soak and loosen thick scales is a popular remedy. Olive oil is a great substitute for conventional baby oil. It is less greasy and of course, all natural! Sometimes it is recommended to leave the oil on for long periods, such as overnight. However, 5-10 minutes is usually sufficient. Use a SOFT bristle baby brush to loosen scales. NEVER press on their heads. Protect the soft fontanels of a newborn and young infant. Brushing can be done on the oiled scales or on dry scales. After brushing, using a mild, sodium lauryl sulfate free, all natural shampoo to clean the scalp and hair can be used. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. *Special Note: Sometimes it is recommended to use dandruff shampoos to control or cure cradle cap. These contain harsh ingredients such as salicylic acid and tar. These shampoos can sting the eyes of a delicate baby. There is also concern of the systemic absorption of some of these ingredients. If cradle cap spreads or seems severe, please consult a doctor before attempting treatment. I had success managing my son's moderate seborrheic dermatitis by alternating these steps. One day, I would apply olive oil (instead of baby oil) then gently brush his scalp. Next time, I would use the brush on the dry scales. When I did this, I began to see better improvement. His cradle cap was also on his forehead and eyebrows. I did not use the brush for fear of brushing flakes of skin into his eyes. Instead, I used a wet washcloth and gently rubbed these areas. I always used a natural cradle cap treatment or ointment on his forehead and eyebrows. This helped reduce the flaking into his eyes and on his face. Update! See cradle cap pictures of my son. Learn how I managed his condition when it became extremely dry and itchy during the winter months. Great natural moisturizers to use for cradle cap are ones that contain calendula, chamomile or lemongrass. These all have anti-inflammatory properties. They also fight fungal diseases that sometimes infect or mimic seborrheic dermatitis. My son's forehead sometimes became red and slightly inflamed. I started using a thick balm rich in olive oil and calendula on his forehead and eyebrows. I highly recommend this bottom balm from Earth Mama Angel Baby LLC. It definitely decreases the redness and swelling. (I also use the same healing (bottom)balm for both my sons'
baby eczema.)
"Here's to Your Baby's Health and Glowing Skin - Naturally!"
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