How to remove the cradle cap: tips and remedies.
How to remove the cradle cap
Cradle cap is very common in newborns and usually goes away on its own after a few months. It is also called neonatal seborrheic dermatitis and manifests itself with a process of peeling of the scalp with greasy crusts and small yellow scales. It does not cause discomfort or itching, but if it lasts longer we could try to remove it with an oil .
How long does it last
Cradle cap usually does not require medical attention, as it generally goes away on its own after a few months. In the meantime, wash your baby's hair once a day with a mild baby shampoo. If the flaking is particularly noticeable, apply a little specific oil for children using a cotton pad on the scalp and leave it on for a couple of hours before shampooing.
Then wash your hair as usual and lightly brush the scalp with a soft brush to remove the scales.
Cradle cap, as we have said, resolves spontaneously within a few months, but it is quite common for relapses to occur in the following years, especially during puberty and adolescence when hormonal changes favor overproduction again. of sebum
Natural remedies
1. Wash your baby's hair regularly with a specific mild and non-perfumed shampoo ;
2. Gently brush your hair using a soft baby brush;
3. gently rub a specific oil for children or a vegetable oil to soften the crusts: the oil performs not only an action capable of softening the flakes, but also emollient and soothing on any reddened skin;
4. Try applying a baby oil by leaving it overnight and then washing with a baby shampoo in the morning.
What not to do
• Use olive oil because it is not suitable for the delicate skin of the newborn;
• use peanut oil (due to the risk of allergy)
• use soap
• use adult shampoo or dandruff shampoo
• pull off the scabs as this could cause a small wound and promote the onset of infections
• use a steroid cream unless your doctor recommends it.
They are used above all to carry out an emollient and soothing action and to favor the fall and removal of scabs. It softens them, making them detach and come off more easily with shampoo or brush.
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