What is Cradle Cap? Causes and Remedies

What is Cradle Cap?

A condition where dandruff flakes or oily, yellow flakes and redness appear on the scalp, face, neck, ears and even armpits. It normally occurs in newborns and up to 12 months. Sometimes preschoolers can appear to have cradle cap. If this occurs you should seek out medical attention to exclude allergies or another potential health issue.

Causes

No one is 100% sure on the cause of cradle cap but some medical professionals believe the hormones from a pregnant mother towards the end of pregnancy can over stimulate the babies oil producing glands and therefore cradle cap may appear.

Medical professionals are sure that cradle cap is not the result of poor hygiene or allergies and it is not contagious.

Remedies

· Wash hair and scalp more frequently

· Try rubbing baby oil, almond oil or olive oil on the scalp, leave on for 15minutes and use a soft brush or fine tooth comb to loosen flakes and then wash hair and scalp with a mild baby shampoo

· Try using a mild dandruff shampoo

· Try using a cradle cap treatment and then wash hair and scalp with a mild baby shampoo and towel dry

Once the cradle cap is gone it is not likely to return, however, it is recommended that you wash the hair and scalp with a mild baby shampoo two to three times a week.