| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Cradle Cap / Seborrheic Dermatitis Information Cradle cap, also called infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis, is a noninfectious skin condition resulting in patchy, oily scales and crusts that appears on the scalp of newborns and infants. Seborrhoeic dermatitis can also appear in the skin folds of the neck, behind the ears, in the armpits and on the diaper area. Cradle cap usually begins in the first few weeks of life and slowly disappears over period of weeks or months. Cradle cap is rarely painful, itchy or uncomfortable, and most babies are unaware of the condition. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Cradle Cap / Seborrheic Dermatitis The exact cause of cradle cap is unknown, but it is thought that the condition stems from overactive sebaceous glands in the skin of newborns. Hormones from the mother that cross the placenta and enter the babys system are also thought to cause cradle cap. Skin yeasts may also be involved. Cradle cap is not the result of poor hygiene, allergy or infection. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Cradle Cap / Seborrheic Dermatitis The main symptom of cradle cap is yellow, greasy, flaky patches on the scalp of babies from one to 12 months of age. Sometimes, a thick, scaly patch covers the babys entire scalp. After a time, the scales loosen and are easily rubbed off. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Cradle Cap / Seborrheic Dermatitis Wash babys hair thoroughly and often with mild baby shampoo. Be sure to fully rinse the hair after shampooing. Use medicated shampoos on babies only at the suggestion of a doctor. Soft brushing can help release the scales. Use baby oil sparingly; it tends to increase scaly buildup on the scalp. If scales spread to the face and neck, consult a physician. Remember that cradle cap is very common and is not associated with infection, allergy or poor hygiene. The condition will disappear eventually with no permanent scarring. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Calendula is effective in treating skin conditions when applied in lotion form. Vitamin E softens and loosens the scales associated with cradle cap when used in oil form. Borage Oil can greatly improve the appearance of cradle cap when massaged into the scalp. Aloe Vera loosens and moistens the flakes associated with cradle cap. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below. |