Like adults, babies also develop dry, flaky scalps. The condition is known as “cradle cap” in infants. What can you do to treat it safely?
More Information:
Here are suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine on how to help clear up cradle cap:
- Use a brush with very soft bristles or your fingers to gently rub your baby’s scalp each day. This will boost circulation and help scaly patches of skin fall off.
- Make sure you wash the scalp thoroughly to remove all soap.
- Wash baby’s head each day with a gentle soap until cradle cap subsides. Then shampoo about twice weekly.
- Before shampooing, rub a bit of mineral oil into baby’s scalp and cover it with a moist, warm washcloth to encourage scaly patches to fall off. Leave it on for up to an hour, making sure the cloth stays warm.
- If cradle cap doesn’t improve or baby continues to react to scalp itchiness, see your pediatrician about a topical lotion or cream.