Cradle cap in babies: how to treat it

A crusty rash on your child’s head and face may be cradle cap. The yellow-brown crusts typically appear on the head after the third month of life and are often confused with head gneiss. Head gneiss is an overproduction of the sebum glands that occurs in most babies in the first few months of life and often goes away on its own by the age of 1. Cradle cap, on the other hand, often develops in bottle-fed babies from the 3rd month of life or when switching to solid food. Babies who are breastfed for a long time are less likely to get sick.

Causes of cradle cap

The causes of the disease have not yet been fully researched. There is probably an inherited predisposition for an overreaction of the immune system. Babies who develop cradle cap usually have fairly dry, sensitive skin that reacts to mechanical stimuli, such as woolen clothing, with a rash.

Symptoms of cradle cap

Cradle cap is recognizable by reddening, flaking, weeping and yellow-brown crusting of the hairy scalp and cheeks. The affected skin areas are usually very itchy and scratch marks can be seen. As soon as the eczema spreads to the face, you should consult the pediatrician.

therapy and progress

In fifty percent of affected children, the eczema goes away on its own within the first year of life. In the other cases, the rash can be the first stage of neurodermatitis. In mild cases, careful care of the skin is sufficient. In general, your baby should not be bathed too often so that the skin does not dry out. You should discuss all applications with the pediatrician and get advice on the care products. To prevent your baby from scratching himself, you should cut his fingernails short or put small cotton mittens on him. It is better to use only cotton laundry.

prevent cradle cap

The genetic factors cannot be influenced. Studies have shown that infants who are consistently breastfed for four to six months are less likely to develop neurodermatitis than bottle-fed babies.