Cradle cap is a common term for a condition known as seborrhea dermatitis. Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects infants. Generally speaking cradle cap appears in the first three months or so after a baby is born. Cradle cap will generally disappear within about eight months. It is relatively rare for cradle cap to occur after the age of one year old.

Cradle cap looks like a rash on the scalp of your baby. Cradle cap tends to be flaky and crusty. Cradle cap may appear over the entirety of the scalp, or it may appear only in patches on the scalp. Cradle cap can occasionally appear on the eyelids, eyebrows, forehead, or even the ears of a baby. Cradle cap is not contagious. Generally speaking, cradle cap is best diagnosed by your pediatric health care provider.

In many cases, cradle cap does not need to be treated. If your baby does not seem to be bothered by cradle cap, you can usually just wait for it to disappear. Having said that, there are instances where cradle cap can become uncomfortable or very itchy. If your baby’s cradle cap is severe, there are treatment options available.

One of the ways to treat cradle cap is with herbal remedies. There are a variety of balms, ointments, oils, and creams designed to be used to help your baby’s skin, whether it is a sore bottom, diaper rash, or cradle cap. These remedies tend to use a variety of herbs, as well as things like olive oil and shea butter. Some of them will incorporate antibacterial and antifungal essential oils, as well. In many cases, you can apply the ointment, wait for a few minutes, and the brush the scales off with a soft brush or a soft and dry washcloth.

There are other treatments for cradle cap, as well. There are shampoos designed to help with cradle cap. In fact, just shampooing regularly may help to alleviate cradle cap. You can also purchase cortisone cream over the counter to help with cradle cap. Cortisone cream is a dermatological treatment that may help with cradle cap that is particularly inflamed. Your health care provider may also wish to provide a prescription for a stronger version of this product.

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