What Is Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap is a medical condition that causes crusty or oily and scaly patches on a baby’s scalp. It is medically known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis. Although it is not itchy, it can cause thick white or yellow scales that are difficult to get rid of. The exact cause of cradle cap is unknown. However, there are are a couple of factors that could be the culprits. They are discussed in detail below.
What Causes Cradle Cap?
Two causes that could be the contributing factors for cradle cap in toddlers are:
Hormones that are passed from the mother to the baby before birth. These hormones could trigger too much production of oil in the oil glands and hair follicles. A yeast (fungus) called Malassezia that grows in the sebum within the hair follicles, along with bacteria.
Adults can also develop cradle cap. But when they develop a similar condition, it is commonly known as dandruff or seborrhoea. The exact cause of this condition also remains unknown. Nonetheless, Malassezia furfur, the same fungus responsible for cradle cap in infants, is thought to play a role in the development of seborrhoea. So, what are the signs and symptoms of this condition?
Signs And Symptoms Of Cradle Cap
The most common symptoms of cradle cap are:
Patchy scales or thick crusts on the scalp Oily or dry skin on the scalp, often covered with thick white or yellow scales Flaky skin Mild redness (in some cases) Presence of similar flakes on the eyelids, ears, nose, and groin
Let us now look at the age groups that are prone to developing cradle cap.
Age Group Affected By Cradle Cap
Babies aged between two weeks and three months are at the highest risk of developing cradle cap. Although in most cases, cradle cap disappears before the baby completes one year, it can also be seen in infants above 12 months. The unsightly appearance is more than enough reason for wanting to get rid of cradle cap. If your baby has ended up developing this condition, don’t worry. Given below are some of the best home remedies that can help in treating cradle cap naturally.
How To Get Rid Of Cradle Cap Naturally
Home Remedies To Treat Cradle Cap In Infants
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil (as required) Do this once daily. Coconut oil is widely used for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties (1), (2). It moisturizes and softens the scaly scalp, reduces inflammation, and fights microbial infections (if any).
2. Baking Soda
1 teaspoon of baking soda 2 teaspoons of water
You must do this once daily, preferably before bathing your baby. The anti-inflammatory and neutralizing properties of baking soda help restore the natural pH of your baby’s scalp (3). This, in turn, helps reduce the flakiness. Baking soda also has antibacterial properties that eliminate any microbes present in the scalp (4).
3. Breast Milk
A few drops of breast milk You must do this once daily. Breast milk is a rich source of various antibodies that boost your baby’s immunity (5). Its topical application softens the dry and scaly scalp, thereby making the removal of the flakes easier (6).
4. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil
2 drops of tea tree oil 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Do this once daily. Tea tree oil is widely used for treating various skin ailments due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (7). The antifungal properties of tea tree oil eliminate the Malassezia species of fungi, which is one of the causes of cradle cap (8).
b. Lavender Oil
2 drops of lavender oil 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
Do this daily. The antifungal properties of lavender oil fight the fungi that are responsible for the formation of cradle cap (9). It can also help in softening the scales and make their removal easier.
5. Vaseline
Vaseline (as required) Do this daily for a week. Vaseline has amazing moisturizing properties that can soften the dry and scaly scalp of your little one. The softened flakes fall off easily, and the cradle cap will vanish in a week (10).
6. Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon of lemon juice 2 teaspoons of coconut oil
Do this once daily or every alternate day. Lemon has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and bactericidal properties that can help in combating seborrheic dermatitis-causing yeast and bacteria on the scalp (11), (12).
7. Almond Oil
Almond oil (as required) You must do this at least once daily. Almond oil is quickly absorbed by the skin. It can help dislodge the debris and flakes from the hair follicles, thus helping you get rid of cradle cap. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe any inflammation in your baby’s scalp (13), (14).
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons of water
You must do this twice a week for 2 to 3 weeks. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar plays an important role in getting rid of cradle cap. ACV restores the lost pH of your baby’s scalp, which speeds up healing (15). Its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties reduce inflammation and fight the microbes responsible for causing cradle cap (16).
9. Aloe Vera
1/2 tablespoon of aloe vera gel You must do this daily, preferably after bathing your little one. Aloe vera gel is used for treating a variety of skin conditions, including cradle cap. The soothing and moisturizing properties of aloe vera can help in speeding up the recovery of the scalp (17). The antifungal properties of this gel offer protection from the potential threats like Malassezia species of fungi (18).
10. Argan Oil
5-6 drops of argan oil You can do this once daily. Argan oil is a rich source of vitamin E, which is known to heal many skin conditions. The healing and anti-inflammatory properties of argan oil help in treating cradle cap (19).
11. Castor Oil
A few drops of castor oil You must do this on a daily basis. Castor oil helps to seal in the moisture of your infant’s scalp (20). This can keep it well-moisturized and help in getting rid of cradle cap permanently.
12. Olive Oil
Olive oil (as required)
How Often You Should Do This
Do this on a daily basis until you notice an improvement in your baby’s condition. Olive oil is another popular remedy for getting rid of cradle cap. It is quite moisturizing and can help in softening and dislodging the thick flakes and crusts on the scalp. And its antifungal properties protect the scalp from fungal infections (21). Following these remedies is not always enough. Your little one might still be at the risk of developing cradle cap again. Hence, you must consider following a few tips to prevent the recurrence of this condition. They are as discussed below.
How To Prevent Cradle Cap
Wash your baby’s head on a daily basis. Use your fingers or a brush with soft bristles to rub on your baby’s scalp gently. This can improve blood circulation in the scalp. Try and increase your biotin intake by consuming foods like eggs, almonds, cauliflower, spinach, cheese, and mushrooms.
Does cradle cap affect hair growth? Check out the infographic below to learn how to be careful if your child has a cradle cap. Although cradle cap does not directly affect hair growth, it could cause hair loss while combing and trying to get it off your baby’s scalp. How long does it take for cradle cap to go away? Cradle cap usually disappears on its own before an infant completes 12 months. But in some cases, it is observed in children aged above 1 year as well. Can a 2-year-old still have a cradle cap? A cradle cap usually clears up by the baby’s first birthday. However, in some cases, it might last till they turn 2 to 4 years old. Is it OK to pick the cradle cap off? No, do not pick or scratch the cradle cap off as it may further aggravate the condition and even cause bacterial co-infection (22). Is cradle cap a form of eczema? No, there is no link between cradle cap and eczem. While eczema may also occur at the same place as a cradle cap, the two are different conditions. Is cradle cap a symptom of milk allergy? Some believe a cradle cap can be a symptom of milk allergy. In some infants, this allergy manifests also as rashes, hives, swollen eyelids and lips, and flushed cheeks. However, limited research is available in this regard.
