A crib cap or cradle cap is a type of seborrheic dermatitis usually present in babies and toddlers. To make it easier to understand, seborrheic dermatitis is responsible for causing dandruff in adults. In the same condition, cradle cap in toddlers and babies will typically cause flaky and extremely thick skin on the scalp of the child. 

Our experts, who excel in general pediatric care in Plantation and Doral in Florida, will usually calm the parents stating that the condition is pretty common and harmless and that it may even resolve on its own without needing specific cradle cap remedies. 

Also, cradle cap in toddlers is much rarer, as it’s the most prevalent in babies up to three months old, but there are cases where the issues can persist, coming and going until toddlerhood. More specifically, getting rid of the cradle cap will be unnecessary by the child’s first birthday, as the condition will usually disappear. Still, there are cases when cradle cap appears in toddlers until age four, but it’s extremely rare. 

Causes

The condition won’t affect every baby. According to expert sources, around 9.5 percent of baby girls and 10 percent of baby boys will develop a cradle cap.

On that end, the exact causes are unclear. When it comes to adults, there seems to be a link between a yeast species and seborrheic dermatitis, but the same association is less clear in babies. 

Other experts believe that there’s a hormonal link that may be present at birth, causing cradle cap. 

In very rare cases, the condition may be linked to immunodeficiency issues. In these instances, other symptoms will accompany the cradle cap problem, so it will be evident that something more’s going on. 

How to Remove Cradle Cap and Where Is It on the Head?

Brush Removes Dandruff From the Skin of a Newborn Baby

The issue usually appears on the head and may also be visible behind the ears in some cases. There are also cases when it appears under the skin of the nose and eyebrows, groin, or armpit. Sometimes, the flakes may be greasy or dry, with a white to yellowish color.

Still, before you search for cradle cap remedies, you should remember that the condition is harmless, and from a medical standpoint, it isn’t necessary to get rid of it. But, if you are wondering how to remove cradle cap flakes, there are a few safe methods that can help. Most of these methods are temporary and aren’t scientifically backed. As such, remember that your child will eventually just grow out of it. 

Lastly, keep in mind that you should be gentle with the baby’s skin, as irritating the scalp can lead to tiny cuts which can get infected.

Getting Rid of Cradle Cap – Home Remedies

Brush the Baby’s Scalp

When getting rid of the cradle cap, the easiest way to start is by quickly brushing your child’s scalp to remove the flakes. Still, you need to be careful to avoid scraping and picking at the flakes. There are special brushes out there made for this purpose, and you might even get them from the hospital after your delivery. A gentle-bristle toothbrush might also do the job. 

So, how to remove the cradle cap with these brushes? Simply do the following: 

  • Use the brush and move in one direction, brushing the affected area slowly to loosen the flakes on the scalp
  • Continue brushing the hair to remove the flakes
  • Perform it either on dry or wet hair
  • Brush at least once a day

This is a safe method that will remove the flakes and potentially improve scalp health.

Washing the Baby’s Hair

Maintaining your child’s hair hygiene can significantly help with the cradle cap. A simple baby shampoo might even be enough to help with the cradle cap. Still, only resort to dandruff shampoo when your doctor gives permission, as it may do even more harm. 

To get started, simply:

  • Get the baby’s scalp and hair wet
  • Gently massage the shampoo into their scalp
  • Use a baby towel to remove the shampoo, then gently rub the affected area
  • Rinse the hair to remove the shampoo totally

When opting for this cradle calp removal remedy, it’s essential to consult with your pediatrician to determine how often you should wash the baby’s hair. Too much shampoo may dry out the scalp, making the cradle cap even worse.

Keeping the Scalp Hydrated

This is a great way to loosen the scalp. All you need is pure plant oils, like jojoba, olive, coconut, or almond oil. Just apply a small amount on the baby’s scalp to make sure it doesn’t lead to irritation.

Then, you will need to:

  • Apply a small layer of the oil on the scalp
  • Gently massage the scalp with it for around a minute
  • Leave the oil for at least 15 minutes
  • Wash it away with baby shampoo

This method should be used once a day. Just make sure that your child isn’t allergic to the oil.

Use Prescription Creams

While rare, getting rid of a cradle cap may prove to be extremely difficult. In these rare cases, your pediatrician may recommend using zinc cream, hydrocortisone, or an antifungal. Remember to strictly follow the instructions of your provider while using these compounds.

Give Essential Oils a Try

A Baby Girl Has Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis - Cradle Cap and Lying in Bed With Her Mother.

If your pediatrician permits, you may opt for these highly concentrated herbal compounds. Antimicrobial variants can fight yeast-caused cradle cap, and oils with anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe the scalp. 

Some recommend using geranium and lemon essential oils with jojoba or coconut oil carriers. Others highly recommend tea tree oil, but this might not be safe and shouldn’t be used on children younger than six months. 

  • Just dilute two drops of these essential oils in two tablespoons of carrier oil
  • Apply it to the affected area
  • Leave it on the scalp for a few minutes
  • Brush the flakes off
  • Wash the oils off with shampoo

Remember to use this method sparingly and always ask your pediatrician before giving it a try. You may also need to consult with a certified aromatherapist to be on the safe side. 

Don’t Worry But Be Safe

A cradle cap typically isn’t a serious or urgent matter, but it’s something that you will want to mention to your pediatrician. Also, it’s best to call a doctor if the skin looks agitated, red, or infected.

Furthermore, you might worry that the baby is dealing with infantile eczema and not, in fact, a cradle cap. Fortunately, a trained pediatrician will easily tell the difference.

If you are worried about flaky skin, consider trying these safe home remedies. On the other hand, you can always reach out to the experts at Worldwide Pediatrics for more safety tips. Remember, we’re here to help and will assist you even if it’s cradle cap you’re worried about.