Breaking News

How To You Can Treat Your Baby’s Cradle Cap This Winter?

0 0

Spotting the cradle cap on the baby’s scalp does not look comfortable. At least not to first-time parents or those who are not very familiar with it. 

But how to know if your baby is really affected by cradle cap? And if it is, then how to treat it? Does it worsen in winter or have any other issues in a cold environment? 

These are some chilling questions that several parents ask because this scalp condition affects a lot of children. So, here, we have given answers to these questions so you do not have to look further. 

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is primarily a common scalp concern in babies, but can also occur on other body parts. This condition is often mistaken for dry skin or scalp psoriasis.

However, its symptoms make it different from them. Children under 1 year of age are more prone to it while 3 months of age is the peak time when the babies get affected by it.

This skin condition is not harmful and fades out without treatment. There is no need to worry about its spread as it is non-contagious.

There is no exactly known cause behind it. However, hormonal disturbance, overproduction of oil in sebaceous glands, and yeast overgrowth are considered the common causes.

Its symptoms include:

  • Yellowish or white flakes
  • Greasy or dry skin
  • Redness
  • Inflammation

Is there anything different if it happens in winter?

Yes, but it does not mean that winter is dangerous for cradle cap. Winter has pros and cons and the same goes for summer. In winter, the humidity level is low so it becomes difficult to adjust the moisture level of the skin. 

This results in more dryness. So, this can worsen the symptoms to some extent. But, due to the cold environment, there will not be sweating so your baby will be safe from getting a bacterial infection. 

How to treat this condition in winter?

Keep the skin hydrated

This condition often results in dryness so keeping the skin hydrated is a good way to heal this condition. And the best way to do this is to use a good moisturizer. In winter, this becomes more important due to less humidity in the air. 

Whenever you wash your baby’s affected area, use a moisturizer and massage your baby’s skin with it. This will help recover and retain moisture.

Make sure to choose a medicated product or choose from a reputable brand. 

Ensure proper cleaning

Cleaning the area is one of the best ways to avoid complications and take steps toward treatment. The best way to clean the cradle cap-affected skin is to wash it. However, you should be careful and keep some tips in mind.

  • Use lukewarm water
  • If you are bathing your baby, keep the bath timing short
  • Bathe your baby no more than twice a week.
  • Use a mild baby shampoo

Use moisturizer to lock in moisture after you bathe your baby. Regular washing will help keep the skin clean from irritants and bacteria and loosen flakes over time. 

Use a brush to remove flakes

We do not recommend picking flakes with your finger or scrubbing them off. This can damage the skin and remove soft hair from your baby’s scalp. 

What you have to do is to use a gentle brush having soft bristles to remove those flakes. Gently use the brush over the affected area for a while and remove the flakes. 

Do not rub it hard. If all of the flakes are not removed, it is okay. Leave them as it is. The next step will remove all of them.

Use a medicated product

For persistent symptoms and severe cases, a cradle cap shampoo is necessary to address the symptoms and get satisfactory results. This shampoo helps soothe redness and inflammation associated with a cradle cap and removes all the flakes. 

Plus, it will provide enough moisture to the skin that dryness will go away. For mild to severe cases of cradle cap, it is an ideal option. However, wait for some days to see if symptoms fade out without treatment before using this product. 

Should you consult a professional?

In normal cases, there is no need to get professional help. It is a harmless and non-contagious condition and its symptoms go away without treatment. Most of the babies get affected by it regardless of ethnicity.

However, if the symptoms are persistent and do not go away even after a few months, you should get professional help. If the treatment methods described in this article, do not work for your baby or worsen the symptoms, consult a professional. 

If there is severe redness, noticeable odor, or infection, it could be a sign of an underlying condition. Visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis. 

In normal cases, follow the instructions described in this article.

About Post Author

Anurag Rathod

Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %