Many parents wonder how to get rid of cradle cap that forms on their baby’s scalp. The good news is that there are natural remedies that can help clear it up.
What is cradle cap?
Cradle cap (medically known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis and sometimes also called crib cap) causes rough, scaly patches to develop on your baby’s scalp. While it is usually located on the head, it may also form behind the ears. Sometimes, it also affects the skin under the eyebrows or on the nose, armpits, or groin.
The flakes may be either dry or greasy, and they are usually white or yellow. While cradle cap usually resolves on its own – most cases go away by a child’s first birthday – the condition can persist and require treatment.
Remedies for cradle cap
Here are three home remedies to help you get rid of cradle cap:
Remove the scales with your fingers
Your baby’s scalp won’t be harmed if you use your hands to take off the “cap.” It’s the simplest, and one of the most effective ways to get rid of the scales and dry patches that occur when a baby has cradle cap.
- Rub your fingers over the scaly patches, then gently peel and scrape away the scaly dead skin and discard it.
- If you don’t want to use your fingers to pick off the scales, put on a pair of thin latex gloves (as long as your baby isn’t allergic to latex). You could also cover your hands with plastic wrap to prevent directly touching the scales. Keep in mind that cradle cap is not contagious, and picking off the scales will make your baby more comfortable.
- Don’t use tweezers or another sharp tool to remove the scales, since you may accidentally cause injury
Wash your baby’s hair every day
- Use warm water and gently massage his or her scalp with your fingers. The water will help loosen the cradle cap scales, when you can then peel or scrape away.
- Using a mild baby shampoo can help loosen the scales, so consider adding one to your washing routine. However, you may find that shampoo dries the baby’s scalp out even further.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to help loosen the scales while the baby’s head is still wet.
Use oil or Vaseline
Sometimes cradle cap scales need a little outside help before you can peel them off. Spread baby oil or Vaseline on the dry patches, then wait 15 minutes to let the scales soften before removing them.
- Olive oil and vegetable oil also work well for removing the scales.
- Use shampoo and warm water to wash away the oil when you’re finished. Leaving traces of oil can actually make the problem worse by causing more scales to form.
