Cradle cap

Can I do anything to clear it up or should I just leave it alone? It's not too bad but noticeable.

 

You want to clear it up- as far as I know it doesn't resolve itself. It just gets worse and eventually a blood supply. During a bath we used the baby hair brush thing on their heads vigorously with shampoo. Rinse well and look behind the ears as unrinsed shampoo collected there on my kids.

 

California baby has a tea tree oil shampoo that helps scalp issues

 

Not sure but what do you mean by blood supply? I left my 2yr olds and 4yr old and I'm still dealing with it. It's disgusting. My pedi could care less about it though.

 

I was vague, sorry.

Here is a quote from babycenter:

"It's tempting to sit and pick at the cradle cap on your child's head, but try to resist, as doing so can leave sore patches that could become infected. On the other hand, do not leave the cradle cap untreated because a crust can form and thicken. You will not scrape your child's scalp or cause it to bleed as long as you handle it gently. If you are hesitant to loosen the flakes or crusts on your own, ask your doctor to demonstrate how to safely rub the oil and brush off the flakes. "

The bloody 'crust' is what I was referring to. Here is the whole page. http://www.babycenter.com.ph/a80/cradle-cap

When it got worse with mine, I rubbed lotion into it before a bath, then washed the hair with the shampoo (again, rubbing pretty vigorously).

 

you can also rub baby or olive oil into their scalp and comb it out...that's what I had to do with Ian...

 

DD had only a mild case. johnson's baby head to toe wash (tearless) worked for her. I think it has a mild conditioner in it. I scrubbed her had pretty vigorously and washed her hair at least every other day.
When i used regular tearless shampoo it would get worse.

I heard cradle 'crap' is an indication they will have thick hair

 

My 3rd son had it so so so bad, it was so awful looking. My pediatrician at the time suggested using a baby brush and vigorously rubbing it in the bath to loosen the pieces, then pick them off. He even suggested using dandruff shampoo but you have to be extremely careful not to get it in baby's eyes. I did use head and shoulders on him and I think that helped a bit. It was the only thing, besides time, that did anything. I also tried olive oil and breastmilk, neither worked for him. He still has a bit of even now, I just ignore it.

 

My pedi said I could use Dandruff shampoo too. I have never been consistent in using it because of getting it in their eyes.

 

I used olive oil or baby oil on their head, scrub it in with the brush and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then wash them, again scrubbing with the brush. You can also use head and shoulders but ours was never severe enough for that!

 

Thanks everyone. I'll start treating it and ask at their 4 months appt in 2 weeks!

 

Ok, I just have to report. My 2yr old has some NASTY thick cradle cap. I bought some "Gentle Naturals Cradle Cap Care" in the baby section and used it with the Safery First baby comb/brush set. I put the lotion on her scalp and rubbed in vigorously, then took the finer side of the comb and combed at her head. Then I washed. I used Aveno body/hair baby wash and once with my shampoo. I got a lot out!! If I do it once or twice more it will be gone!

 

My last baby got horrible cradle cap. I eventually called the pedi and she suggested a cortisone creme, just over the counter. It cleared it up instantly! I was so glad I called. I'd call and ask your pedi about it. It was just 1% hydrocortisone and it worked awesome.

 

The twins both had really dry flaky scalps. I don't know if it was cradle cap or not but I coated their heads with baby oil brushed out the dry skin, put more baby oil on and then the little baby hats (which they hate wearing) for about 15 min. Did this for a few days and it cleared up.