Cradle Cap

Cradle Cap

Monday 15th October 2018

There are plenty of things that you are told about before having a baby. There are also some things that may not be mentioned. For me no one mention cradle cap. I knew previously what it was so when Erik started to get cradle cap when he was about 6 - 8 weeks (I think) I wasn't completely oblivious. However, I did ask my Mum for confirmation. 

Something I didn't know about Cradle Cap was that it causes hair loss. When Erik was born he had a lot of dark brown hair, but after a couple of weeks with the cradle cap, he lost most of his hair. He still had a little bit on the back of his neck and along his forehead. 

Erik had a check-up appointment and the Nurse said that there wasn't a lot that I could do for the cradle cap and not to worry too much as it doesn't bother him. Which I later discovered that that was the case in the beginning however over time it did start to irritate him and he was scratching at his head which did loosen some of it, but he did make his head bleed a little bit which is not good.

Causes:
After the visit, I did some research myself on Google and found out that cradle cap they believe is caused by the hormones left in your baby's body from you. It causes secretions from the oil glands in the skin, making the skin cells stick to the scalp. This oil reduces over time and the cradle cap can disappear over time.

 Also if there is a family history of eczema there is a better chance of getting cradle cap. This also means that when Erik is older there is a chance he could develop dandruff.

Symptoms:
Flaky and dry looking skin on the head where the hair is, it can also appear in the eyebrows, armpits, nappy area and nose. It looks like a very bad case of dandruff. It can also appear as red, greasy, yellow, or scaly patches. When I was researching I found out the cradle cap can become infected, so if your baby's head starts to look red and swollen, take them to the doctor.  

Treatment:

Several different people told me to use oil (like vegetable or a natural oil) to soften the cradle cap. I put the oil on his head in the affected areas using a cotton pad. I left it on for 15 to 30 minutes (or overnight) then I used his soft bristle brush to remove any of the loose stuff (for lack of a better word). Afterwards, I rinse the oil off of his head.
When Erik has a bath I wash his hair with his baby shampoo and that soften's it up and helps some of it be removed with his little brush.

Erik is now 5 months (almost 6) and his cradle cap has cleared up quite well. He has two quite small patches that you bearly notice, it helps that his hair has grown back and is covering it. It doesn't irritate him anymore as he doesn't scratch at his head. 

References:
https://www.babycenter.com.au/a80/cradle-cap-in-babies

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Bye!!