Cradle cap is the greasy, yellow scaly patches that sometimes appear on the scalps of babies.
It doesn’t usually itch or cause discomfort, but it can look a little alarming – especially in contrast to perfect baby skin!
Before you rush out and buy pharmacy treatments, try our easy tip for removing cradle cap gently and naturally.
What causes cradle cap?
The jury is still our when it comes to the causes of cradle cap, but it’s thought it may be caused by overactive sebaceous glands – the glands that produce the skin’s natural oil known as sebum.
It’s thought babies retain some of their mother’s hormones for weeks or months after birth, and these may cause the baby’s glands to produce more sebum.
Cradle cap isn’t contagious, nor is it caused by poor hygiene or allergies. In adults we know it as seborrheic dermatitis.
Does cradle cap need treatment?
Most cases of cradle cap will clear up on their own given time – but there are a few things you can do to speed things along and help to prevent a build up of scales.
Popular pharmacy treatments can be much harsher than you might expect. Often containing Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, along with other nasties, they’re not something you’d want to put on your own head…let alone your baby’s!
Sarah, Pai’s founder, knows a thing or two about treating cradle cap the gentle way.
She’s used the following trick on both of her baby boys:
It’s important not to pick at the scales, as this can cause infection. Instead, help them soften while protecting the delicate skin beneath by gently massaging a few drops of Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil onto your baby’s head.
Leave for a few hours (or overnight), before washing out with Petit Pai Apple & Mallow Blossom Hair & Body Wash to gently lift away flakiness.
Free from essential oils and irritating ingredients, they work like magic…and give you complete peace of mind, too!”
There’s usually no need to see your GP about cradle cap, but you may want to seek advice if your baby’s scalp becomes inflamed or if the cradle cap spreads to other parts of their body.
If your baby is scratching their head, this may also be a sign of another condition such as atopic eczema.
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