Which oil for cradle cap

Parents of newborns may be concerned that their L. By the time infants are years old, only 7 percent are affected. Bush says. That said, if you do find yourself dealing with a bout of the condition, there are ways you can tackle it head-on. Rub in some oil. Right before putting Baby into his bath, rub some coconut oil, baby oil or olive oil onto the scaly patches his head and the surrounding areas. Just be sure not to use too much oil, or it will be difficult to get out.

Allow the oil to sit for a few minutes to give it time to loosen the dry patches of skin. Brush it away. While she's in the bath, wet your baby's hair with warm water; then use a soft brush or a dry washcloth to rub the area and get rid of the scales. Shampoo and rinse. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo to rinse away the oil from Baby's head. Leave this treatment to soak into the scales for anything between a few minutes and several hours. This should loosen the scales, making it easier to remove them with a soft brush or toothbrush.

A review study suggests that it is safe to apply coconut oil to the skin of preterm infants. However, researchers say they need to do more studies. People caring for infants can talk to the pediatrician before using natural remedies, including coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil. If the scales are difficult to loosen, a caregiver can massage a baby friendly dandruff shampoo into the scalp for a few minutes.

People need to be careful when doing this because dandruff shampoo can sting if it gets in the eyes. These products are available over the counter at most drug stores, or people can shop for baby dandruff shampoo online.

These shampoos may be irritating or drying, so consider using them every few days or even once a week. If regular shampooing does not help, a healthcare professional may recommend a mild corticosteroid cream or specialist shampoo. Speak to a doctor before using these products because they can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions. Since cradle cap is a benign condition, the risks of these creams may outweigh any possible benefit.

Mild cradle cap does not usually require any treatment. The baby may need to see a doctor if the condition is severe or making them uncomfortable. Yeast infections can sometimes develop on the affected area. If caregivers suspect the rash has become infected, they should speak to a doctor. Signs of infection include:. The doctor may prescribe medication to deal with the infection.

This might be an anti-yeast cream. In rare cases, infants who have seborrheic dermatitis all over their body, suffer from diarrhea , and are not putting on weight may have a problem with their immune system. Caregivers who observe these symptoms in a baby should take them to see a doctor. It does not tend to itch or bother the baby in any way. It can develop on the scalp, around the face and ears, in the diaper area or in other folds of skin. Cradle cap does not usually require any treatment, but there are a few ways that caregivers can help to make the skin and scalp look less flaky.

These include shampooing with a medicated shampoo and applying petroleum jelly or other products to the scales to help loosen them before removing. Show references AskMayoExpert. Seborrheic dermatitis. Rochester, Minn. Caring for your newborn. Sasseville D. Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants. Accessed Oct.

Related Cradle cap on dark skin Cradle cap on light skin. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.