Cradle Cap or Baby Scalp Eczema?
Scalp changes and rashes often happen in early childhood.
As a parent, seeing your baby with flaky, scaly patches on their scalp can be alarming. It doesn’t help when strangers stare and point it out! The culprit could be "cradle cap" or "scalp eczema," but it's easy to get them mixed up. While they can look similar, they are distinct conditions with different underlying causes and treatment approaches. Let’s dig into these two skin conditions and how to approach them in your little one.
What is Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap, scientifically known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a very common and harmless skin condition in newborns and infants. It typically appears in the first few weeks or months of life and is characterized by thick, oily, yellowish, or brownish scales and crusts on the scalp. These patches can sometimes be a little red, but they are generally not itchy or painful for the baby.
What causes it?
The exact cause of cradle cap isn't fully understood, but it's believed to be related to overactive sebaceous glands in the baby's scalp. These glands produce an oily substance called sebum. A hormone transfer from the mother to the baby during pregnancy may contribute to this overproduction. A yeast called Malassezia may also play a role, as it thrives in oily environments. To learn more about this yeast and its role in eczema, listen to our podcast on this topic!
How to treat it:
Gentle Cleansing: The most effective treatment is to regularly and gently wash your baby's hair. Use a mild, baby-specific shampoo.
Soft Brushing: After shampooing, you can use a soft baby brush or a clean toothbrush to gently loosen the scales. Be very careful not to scratch or irritate the scalp.
Moisturize and Soften: Before shampooing, you can massage a small amount of baby oil, mineral oil, or a pediatrician-approved moisturizer onto the scales. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to soften the crusts, making them easier to remove.
Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse all the shampoo and oil out of the baby's hair to prevent buildup.
Patience is Key: Cradle cap usually resolves on its own within a few months. Consistency with gentle treatment is the best approach.
What is Scalp Eczema?
Scalp eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that can affect the scalp as well as other parts of the body. Unlike cradle cap, eczema is often very itchy and can be quite uncomfortable for the baby. It appears as red, dry, and sometimes oozing or weeping patches that may also have fine scaling.
What causes it?
Eczema is a more complex condition. It's not caused by overactive oil glands but is instead linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The skin barrier in individuals with eczema is weaker, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens and leading to moisture loss. You will find a host of other articles on eczema on our website; read our other blogs and subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about eczema.
