Cradle Cap
Elna Keeve
M.Sc & B.Pharm
Introduction: Cradle cap is an extremely common and harmless condition that affects about 50% of all babies.
What is cradle Cap? Infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis or cradle cap is a condition that affects the scalp of newborn babies during the first three months. It usually presents as a yellowish, scaly, crusty rash on the scalp. In more severe cases the condition can spread to the eyebrows, the area behind the ears, skin creases; the forehead and to the nappy area.
Risk factors:
The following factors make babies more prone to seborrhoeic dermatitis:
- Genes: Seborrhoeic dermatitis appears to run in families.
- Stress: There seem to be a relationship between stress and the incidence of cradle cap
- Fungus infections: Pityrosporum ovale (a fungus) may be involved in the development of the condition.
- There may be an association with HIV-disease, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy
Cradle cap is not contagious and it is not caused by poor hygiene or inadequate washing.
Signs, symptoms and complications of cradle cap:
Cradle cap has the following signs and symptoms associated with it:
- Mild cradle cap: Flaky, dry scales that looks like dandruff.
- Severe cradle cap: These are marked by thick, oily, yellow or reddish crusts on the scalp.
- No itch
The causes of cradle cap:
The exact cause of cradle cap is still a mystery, but it is definitely not caused by poor hygiene, allergies or infections.
One possibility is that it has to do with the overactive oil glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin of newborn babies. The glands release a greasy substance that makes the dead skin cells attach to the scalp.
The treatment of Cradle Cap:
Cradle cap is a self-limiting condition and will disappear on its own. The following can be done to help with the baby’s appearance:
- Shampoo the scalp daily with a mild baby shampoo. Johnsons & Johnsons’ Baby shampoo can be recommended.
- The scalp can be massaged with a soft brush to loosen the plaques. It is important to instruct the mother not to remove the crusts forcefully.
- Apply baby oil or mineral oil to the scalp a few hours before washing. This will assist to lift and loosen the scales. Follow up with baby shampoo and rinse well.
When to refer to a doctor:
The following cases should be referred to the health care practitioner:
- Itch associated with the rash. A yeast super-infection can cause the itching and should be treated with an anti-fungal cream.
- Inflammation and cracks: The affected skin can become red and painful cracks may develop with bleeding.
- If no improvement is seen after frequent shampooing after seven days.
- When the rash spreads to the face, neck and crease areas.
Conclusion:
Cradle cap is a harmless, self-limiting condition that can be treated with frequent shampooing.
References:
Available on request
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