Noticed something unusual on your baby’s scalp and skin? Whether you are a first-time mom or just welcomed your second little one to your family, noticing crusty patches and red skin can immediately become a cause of concern – especially if you are not sure what you are dealing with!
One likely culprit for scaly skin and crusty patches is cradle cap, a skin condition commonly seen in 10% of boys and 9.5 % of girls. But what exactly is cradle cap, and what is the safest possible way to treat it?
Let’s take a closer look.
Cradle cap: more than just a scalp issue!
Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap, usually presents itself on infants’ scalps, but it can also be visible on the skin of the face, forehead, behind ears and even in the diaper area, armpits, and other skin folds and creases.
Cradle cap for the most part looks red and moist in skin creases and folds, yellowish with greasy patches or crusts and scaly or flaky. The good news is, although this skin condition does look like it could be uncomfortable for your little one, it is not itchy and likely will not bother your little ones all that much.
First signs
Little ones can start developing cradle cap when they are 2 weeks and 12 months old. Although it can improve by your baby’s first birthday, it could stick around up to your child’s fourth birthday. And if your little one had suffered from cradle cap before, bear in mind that there is a chance that the condition could resurface in puberty as dandruff.
So, what causes this condition?
The short answer to this question is, there is no exact cause! However, there are some potential triggers, such as:
- Too much skin oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles;
- Yeast found on the skin called Malassezia; and
- Perfumed cosmetics.
Luckily, there are ways to treat and ease the symptoms of cradle cap. Read on for some tips and clever mom hacks.
Tips on how to treat cradle cap
As common and for the most part harmless as cradle cap is, it could take several months to clear and should be treated as soon as possible. Here are four tips that moms can follow to ease the symptoms:
- Brush your baby’s scalp
When you brush your little one’s scalp gently, whether with a baby brush or new toothbrush, you can softly remove flakes. Do be careful to not pick flakes off as it could cause bleeding.
- Hydrate your little one’s scalp
The reason why hydrating your baby’s scalp is such a good treatment for cradle cap is that it can loosen flakes or even assist in preventing dry skin from developing. It is a key step in your baby’s skincare routine!
- Wash your baby’s hair
You might be tempted to wash your baby’s hair fewer times when cradle cap first appears, but remember that good hygiene can lessen the look of this skin condition. It is best to use a natural shampoo that does not contain synthetic perfumes. Just don’t overdo washing your baby’s scalp which could potentially aggravate this condition, and do not use anti-dandruff shampoo unless recommended by your doctor.
- Consider using essential oils
Essential oils are concentrated herbal remedies that contain the essence (active ingredient) of various plants. Many of these oils are often used for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and restorative properties which is remarkably effective in the treatment of cradle cap.
Treat cradle cap – the JOMAR way!
To date, we have had a 100% success rate in treating cradle cap and scalp eczema with two carefully formulated products, namely our:
- Conditioning Scalp Oil and
- Gentle Hair and Body Wash
Want to know what gives these products their incredible cradle cap treatment powers? Have a look below:
JOMAR’s Conditioning Scalp Oil
This conditioning scalp oil has a wonderful combination of natural ingredients such as coconut oil, marigold oil, Vitamin E, soya bean oil and Palma Rosa-, peppermint- and lavender essential oil.
These ingredients were hand-picked, researched and are proven to be:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-fungal
- Healing
- Soothing and calming
- Moisturising
Get all the details about this exceptional product here: https://jomarbaby.com/collections/jomar-baby-toddler-natural-skincare-range/products/conditioning-scalp-oil
JOMAR’s Gentle Hair and Body Wash
It is important to use a supportive shampoo together with the treatment oil to ensure real results.
Our Gentle Hair and Body Wash contains aloe, Rooibos, lavender-, marigold- and rosemary essential oil. These ingredients are anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and also helps to soothe, calm and heal the skin.
Get all the details about this exceptional product here: https://jomarbaby.com/collections/jomar-baby-toddler-natural-skincare-range/products/gentle-hair-body-wash
Treat your little one’s cradle cap today – all you need is a gentle hand and JOMAR!
When our little ones present skin conditions, we might be worried about lasting effects. But don’t worry, mom – we have everything you need to treat cradle cap and excessive dry skin conditions and reduce their effects. This too shall pass, and with a loving hand and the right products, your little one will remain happy and healthy.
Until next time,
Love Felicia