Written By: Dr Anitha Anchan | Published : June 24, 2015 10:36 PM IST
As a new parent you may be alarmed by rough, scaly patches on your new-born s scalp. Your attempts to resolve the problem may be distressing too. But the condition could be nothing to worry about. Read on to find out answers to all your doubts.
My newborn baby has dandruff-like flaky patches!
Does your baby have white to yellowish flaky patches on the scalp? It could most probably be cradle cap or infantile seborrheic dermatitis confined to the scalp. Infantile seborrheic dermatitis is characterised by ill-defined flaky, scales with or without reddened skin primarily affecting oily areas including such as scalp, face, limbs, trunk, armpits, groin, etc.
What s causing cradle crap? Is my baby not being well cared for?
If you are on a guilt trip that you have not cared well for your baby, you can stop being hard on yourself. Cradle cap is not caused by poor hygiene. And it does not indicate any illness either. But the actual cause is not known either. The activity of glands in the skin that secrete the oily sebum (sebaceous gland) is high during the first 3 months of life. According to some experts, mother s hormones passed on to the baby during pregnancy may cause these glands to be over-active and result in cradle cap. A type of yeast that grows in the oily sebum has also been linked as a contributing factor.
Is it hurting to my baby?
Cradle cap is very common and harmless. It isn't contagious either. It won't bother your baby because it generally isn't itchy. It most commonly begins in the first 3 months and in most cases clears up by the age of six months.
What can I do cure my baby s cradle cap?
Cradle cap resolves on its own. But the response from others to your baby s appearance may distress you. If those flakes on your baby s scalp bother you try these home remedies:
Self-care measures aren t helping. Should I see the doctor?
If self-care measures do not improve the condition and if gets severe you can visit your baby's paediatrician. He/she may suggest a medicated cream/shampoo with Ketoconazole 2%, tar based shampoos, and/or other treatments like low potency topical steroid and in unresponsive cases, systemic fluconazole. Meeting the doctor will give you an opportunity to discuss your anxieties too.
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References:
1. Gaitanis G, Magiatis P, Hantschke M, Bassukas ID, Velegraki A. The Malassezia Genus in Skin and Systemic Diseases. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2012;25(1):106-141. doi:10.1128/CMR.00021-11.
