Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a thick yellowish, encrustation that appears on the scalp of your baby. This skin condition usually begins to appear between 2 and 12 months of age. Cradle cap is seborrhoea dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease caused by the overactive sebaceous (oil) glands. The glands in the scalp become overactive and secrete excessive amounts of oil. This can also be accompanied by eczema on the nose, eyebrows, forehead and behind the ears. This may be the result of an allergy or a lack of magnesium, zinc and biotin.

Conventional Treatment
If your child’s condition becomes itchy your doctor may recommend a steroid cream. This is usually in very small amounts although be aware that steroid creams can have side effects such as thin fragile skin and in higher dosages, liver damage.

In severe cases an antisebborrheic shampoo may be recommended.

Nutrition and Recommendations
The first step in helping your baby is to refer to INFANT FEEDING, the first Tip of the Week provided by Baby Purity. Following this diet is a perfect start for a baby's healthy future.

If you are nursing avoid refined sugar as bacteria and yeast thrive on sugar. A nursing mother should also avoid saturated fats. Instead ensure you are getting your essential fatty acids (a primrose or borage oil) with your vitamin intake for a few weeks (dosage as per the label).

Lactobacillus acidophilus is very useful for fostering friendly bacteria in the bowel and preventing fungal infections. A healthy gut often results in a healthy system.

If you are breastfeeding, review your diet of possible allergy causing foods you may be consuming. If you are formula feeding try a hypoallergenic formula such as Alimentum or Nutramigen.

You could also try an oil rub consisting of 2 ounces of olive oil and 5 drops of lavender, rosemary or basil essential oils. Apply this to the baby’s head before bed or 30 minutes before bath time. In the morning wash off with a mild calendula shampoo on a washcloth. Rubbing gently removes the loosened crust. You can also use a fine-toothed comb, to help free loosened scales.