Cradle cap: symptoms and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis affecting the skin of the newborn
Cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis that can affect the baby's skin and, in particular, its scalp. The cradle cap is due to an excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Let's find out together when it appears, the treatment and natural remedies recommended, such as sweet almond oil, also useful for new mothers against stretch marks, such as show our video:
Cradle cap: the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis on the baby's skin
Cradle cap is an inflammatory condition that affects the skin of the newborn: it is a form of seborrheic dermatitis, which therefore has to do with the excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands of the baby's scalp or, in general, of those areas of the body where these glands are particularly abundant.
The name "cradle cap" does not derive from an actual link between the dermatitis in question and the consumption of milk: inflammation is called in this way because it affects infants, therefore children in their first weeks or months of life.
The cradle cap appears in a very specific way: it is characterized by the appearance of small crusts similar to yellowish scales, rather greasy and adhering to the skin itself. Usually, as anticipated, seborrheic dermatitis occurs mainly on the baby's scalp, where the presence of the sebaceous glands is particularly significant. The cradle cap, however, can also affect the skin of other areas of the baby's body, such as eyebrows, eyelids, forehead, chin, the back of the ear, the folds of the groin.
Generally the scales on the skin do not cause itching and, although the appearance of the cradle cap is not beautiful, the problem usually resolves itself, it is not a real pathology. Only if the problem persists for a long time it could be a sign of possible atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
The cradle cap usually appears in the first weeks of the baby's life, while it tends to disappear on its own in the first months of life, persisting up to the sixth month.
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What are the causes of its appearance?
Why does cradle cap appear on some children's skin? What are the causes of this form of seborrheic dermatitis? It is not easy to answer this question. However, we do know that cradle cap is due to the production of excess sebum by the sebaceous glands in the scalp. Why these glands produce excess sebum is not yet clear to science.
According to some scholars, the appearance of the milk crust should be related to maternal androgens, hormones that remain in the blood of the child for the first months of life. According to other scientists, the cradle cap would be derived from the action of a specific fungus, Malassezia furfur, normally present on the skin, but capable of becoming pathogenic when the production of sebum is altered.
Although the name "cradle cap" refers to milk, as we have said, there is no causal correlation between the infant's intake of milk (maternal or artificial) and the onset of seborrheic dermatitis, as some popular legends would like. Furthermore, it is not a form of contagious dermatitis.
Natural remedies and care for the removal of cradle cap
The cradle cap, as we have anticipated, is not a real disease and, although it is not aesthetically pleasing, it does not involve risks for the health of the children who suffer from it. The newborn does not suffer at all, the same itchy scalp is usually very rare.
Consequently, it is not correct to speak of a real cure for cradle cap: the inflammation tends to heal on its own, without the need for specific treatment.However, you can choose to resort to natural remedies to facilitate the removal of cradle cap, such as washing the baby's hair every 2-3 days with an oil-based cleanser or specific products with emollient substances that you can request at the pharmacy.
After washing, wipe the baby's skin with a cotton pad soaked in sweet almond, olive or calendula oil. Sweet almond oil in particular helps to soften the scales, favoring their removal. The important thing is not to scratch the scales or try to remove them with your fingers, because the inflammation could get worse! To comb the baby, use a soft brush: it can also be useful for removing the scales that have already detached from themselves.
If the cradle cap is particularly aggressive and the dermatitis does not improve over the months, your pediatrician may recommend that you use a cortisone-based cream, but - as usual - avoid doing it yourself!
