How to Get Rid of Cradle Cap

When you bring your newborn home, there are many things concerning their day to day personal care that your doctor discussed with you before leaving the hospital. One of those is the maintenance of their hair, and the possible occurrence of cradle cap. If you are still are still unaware as to what cradle cap is, then you will want to read further as to what it is and how you can get rid of it.

Rest assured it has been ruled out that this yellowish, flaky rash is not due to poor hygiene or health. Also cradle cap is not painful or itchy to the child, which helps when treating the affected areas. Treatment can be done many ways, from the daily use of baby shampoo and conditioner to olive oil. Below are several treatments for cradle cap that will help in clearing the areas up in just a few weeks.

Conditioners

To aid in a quick daily treatment, apply conditioner at the beginning of the bath and let it set, this will soften the dead skin making it very easy to remove after a shampoo. This is for babies with mild to non-existent cradle cap.

Oils

Oil, like conditioner can help softened the scales as well. Olive oil, vegetable oil, or baby oil, can be used. This treatment can be done at nap time, and then once the child wakes, gently rinse and wash the child’s scalp, dry and then carefully brush away the flakes.

Paste

Making a paste of baking soda and water will help lift the scales. Mix and apply, leave for 10 minutes, rinse and gently brush scalp.

Petroleum Jelly and Lavender Oil

Take a small amount of petroleum jelly along with a few drops of lavender oil and mix together. This treatment is best to use at night, because the lavender aids in calming the baby for sleep. The mixture can sit for the night, and then in the morning gently brush scalp and wash with shampoo.

Daily treatment will be your biggest success, however try not to let the oils or petroleum jelly sit for too long, because this can cause the condition to get worse. Unfortunately, not all cases of cradle cap can be treated at home. If you should notice that the cradle cap has worsened, causing irritation, pain, or redness, then you will want to contact your child’s pediatrician immediately.