Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease. It is common in infancy. Cradle cap usually occurs on the scalp, but it can also appear on the eyebrows, eyelids, behind and in the ears, on the sides of the nose, and in the groin area. Cradle cap can occur anytime between two and twelve weeks of age, and usually clears by the time a child reaches eight to twelve months.

Cradle cap is characterized by thick yellow, greasy scales, which are caused by overactive sebaceous (oil) glands. When the oil from these glands dries and flakes, plugging up the ducts, the glands promptly secrete even more oil in an attempt to force out the plugs and open passageways to the surface. The result is the development of even deeper, heavier plugs and more thick yellow, greasy scales with patches of dry, yellowish crust. Although this condition may look itchy, it is not.

Cradle cap can occur even if you wash your baby's head and hair during his bath every day. Although an infant's skin and skull may seem fragile, they are actually quite strong and can tolerate a thorough washing. Rubbing too gently can fail to clear the scalp of excess oil.

If your infant has cradle cap, it is important to care for the lesions. Like other skin disorders, cradle cap can set the stage for a bacterial or fungal infection.

Supplements and herbs

• If the skin on your baby's head is very dry, massage his scalp with calendula lotion and vitamin E oil, alternately. Almond oil can also be used. Allow the oil to remain on your infant's scalp for fifteen minutes. Then shampoo, and gently comb away the loosened scales with a fine-toothed comb. Both calendula and vitamin E are helpful for skin irritations and will moisten and help heal the lesions.