How to Deal with Cradle Cap!!

Updated on November 06, 2007
E.P. asks from Baltimore, MD
9 answers

My 10 week old has a really bad ongoing case of cradle cap. I have tries washing, combing, oils, nothing, and just plain picking at it. When large pieces come off I literally can watch the oils coming from that spot to form another "scab" of cradle cap. My doctor and family say its normal but it just seems extreme and kinda gross. What's a mama to do?

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J.I.

answers from Washington DC on

Hello!
My son who is now 2 had it horribly, also had the eczema which was all over his face. At 3 1/2 mo we took him to Hopkins Pediatric Dermatology b/c he scalp an face were oozing ( I know sooo gross) We went through a antbiotic treatment and then managed him with Elidil (RX) to the face followed by vasoline to seal it in. Every night we bathed him and washed him with Johnson Baby Shampoo and also used the Elidil and Vasoline on his scalp.
My pediatrician really was no help and this treatment did the trick. His eczema is much better now and really only shows up on his trunk and legs, which we continue to treatment with Triamcinilone Acetonide and Vasoline.
I wish you all the best!
J.

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R.H.

answers from Norfolk on

I used baby oil on my daughter cradle cap and it worked great but you only need a little rubbed on his/her head during bath.

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C.W.

answers from Norfolk on

My son had an extreme case of cradle cap. I tried baby oil, olive oil, and other products without any sucess. Then I got an oil specificlly marketed for cradle cap and it worked great. I cant remember specificlly where it was purchased, but it was either at one of the major drug stores or one of the retail stores like walmart/target/kmart. Maybe even babys r us or toys r us in the baby section.I cant recall having shopped many other places at that time.

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J.S.

answers from Colorado Springs on

My son had that same thing. It is gross, but natural. Try not to worry too much about it. The company I am partnered with recommends their children's shampoo but first put some very diluted T36-C5 oil mixed with olive oil and let sit for a couple minutes.

J.
http://Jamieis.stayinhomeandlovinit.com

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R.W.

answers from Norfolk on

If your baby doesn't have a lot of hair, try Vaseline. Rub in on a few minutes before bathtime or before you wash his hair. I don't know why but Vaseline works wonders. Both of my girls had it. I only wish I knew about the Vaseline tip when my oldest had it.

Good luck!

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R.H.

answers from Dover on

Hi E.,

I have raised 5 kids and never had a bout with cradle cap. One of the things that give babies cradle cap is putting baby lotion on their heads. After every bath I always used babyoil on their heads. Baby lotions and powders for their bodies. Since your baby has it already just keep messageing the oil into his scalp and be patient with combing it and brushing it out. It will finally come out then just use the baby oil after every bath and you will never have it again. Good luck!

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K.L.

answers from Washington DC on

Coat the affected areas with olive oil and let it "soak in" for about 15 mins. Then take a comb, brush or you fingernails and rub the area. Then at bathtime simply rinse his head as soaps can be drying.

Ultimately, you have to just give it time to go away on its own. Many children have it and they eventually outgrow it.

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A.S.

answers from Washington DC on

Some DR'd recommend Selson Blue. My baby had it pretty bad and I used it twice and it went away and never came back. I only left it on for about 10-15 seconds before washing off. Just make sure it doesn't get in his eyes.

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S.N.

answers from Washington DC on

My daughter had a bad case of cradle cap when she was a new born and so did my nephew. My daughter case actually started to spread from her scalp to her face and chest area. Her pediatrician advised that the cradle cap must be removed or it would continue to spread. I had to rub the babies scalp with olive oil using a cotton swab,let it sit then actually comb the cradle cap out. Then wash the babies hair. If you decide to use a special danruff shampoo, that's fine. JUST MAKE SURE YOU USE THE OIL to loosen the cradle cap AND COMB THAT STUFF OUT BEFORE YOU SHAMPOO THE HAIR. And the key is to DO THIS EVERY DAY for about a week or until the condition improves. If you're hesitant to wash the babies hair everday, just make sure you dry the babies hair well and place a cap on the baby to keep the head warm. ALSO THE KEY IS TO KEEP ALL ADDITIONal OILS OUT OF THE BABIES HEAD AND FACE, with the exception of the oil you used to remove the cradle cap before washing. ADDTIONAL OILS MAKES THE CONDITION WORSE, so use a light moiturizer on the body and refrain from adding oils in the hair and face until the condition goes away. This is the method that I have used on several babies and I always recommend this because it works. BUT DO NOT BE SUPRISED IF THE BABIES LOSES SOME HAIR FROM REMOVING THE CRADLE CAP, IT WILL GROW BACK. The key is to get it out before it spreads. If the the babie is already breaking out in the face and body, use CETAPHIL. It is a very mild and gentle cleanser that is pediatrician recommended that clears up almost any breakout after a few days. If you have any more questions, send me a message. Good Luck. And go to babycenter.com for more info on cradle cap.

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