Scalp, also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a thick, oily patch of scaly skin that is white, yellow, or brown in color. Although it usually occurs on the scalp, crusts can also appear on the ears, nose, eyelids, and groin. According to doctors, this condition is caused by the oil glands and hair follicles on the baby's skin producing too much oil. This condition can also be caused by a fungus called mallassezia yeast that grows in the oil glands on the scalp. Scabies is not contagious, is not caused by allergies, and is usually not itchy. This condition is harmless and usually goes away on its own within a few weeks to a few months, but you can take certain steps to speed up the process.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Dealing with Scalp at Home
Step 1. Rub a small amount of mineral oil, baby oil or petroleum jelly onto the scaly patches of skin
Allow the oil or gel to soak into the skin for 15 minutes. The oil/gel will soften and loosen the scale making it easier to clean.
- Since chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, including the scalp, make sure you read the label instructions on the product to make sure it's safe for babies.
- Do not leave the oil/gel on the baby for too long as this will cause the crust to become sticky and difficult to come off naturally.
- Coconut oil and shea butter are common natural remedies and can be used.
- Don't use olive oil as it can encourage the growth of skin yeast, or malassezia, and this will only make crusting worse.
- Wash off the oil with warm water.
Step 2. Wash baby's head carefully using a mild baby shampoo to remove oil/gel and scale
The shampoo will also remove natural oils that may have built up and caused dead skin cells to stick to the scalp and form crusts.
- When shampooing baby's head, massage the scalp to soften and loosen crusts. You can do this with your fingers, a washcloth, or a soft-bristled baby comb. Do not rub the baby's skin too hard, or it will irritate the skin.
- Do not use anti-dandruff shampoos as these may contain chemicals that are not recommended for babies and can seep through the skin.
- Rinse shampoo out of baby's hair to prevent irritation and wash baby's head every day if necessary.
Step 3. Brush the loose crusts from the baby's hair using a soft brush
Strands of hair may fall off with the crust, but the hair will grow back. Do not scrape the crusts as this can cause open sores which will make the baby susceptible to infection.
It will be easier to brush off the scales after bathing and the baby is dry. If the scale is wet, the scale will stick to the hair
Part 2 of 3: Using Natural Remedies to Cleanse the Scalp
Step 1. Make a gentle disinfectant from natural remedies like apple cider vinegar or baking soda
This solution will help prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi.
- Mix apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio. Massage this solution into the crust of the head. Leave for 15 minutes or until dry. The solution will help dissolve and loosen the crust.
- Mix the baking soda paste and water. Use 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda and water in a 1:1 ratio. Apply the paste to the problem areas and let the paste dry on the baby's scalp for 15 minutes.
- Do not apply vinegar or baking soda to peeling skin or open wounds, as they can sting. Instead, seek medical help from a doctor.
Step 2. Comb through the crust using a fine-toothed comb
Comb the hair gently while lifting and releasing the loose crusts slowly.
- Serit (comb for lice) is perfect for this purpose. The thin, tight teeth of the comb will trap even the tiniest of crusts.
- Do not scrape the crust that is still attached to the scalp because it will hurt the baby.
Step 3. Wash baby's head to remove any remaining apple cider vinegar or baking soda paste
Be careful not to get the apple cider vinegar or baking soda mixture into your baby's eyes.
Use a gentle shampoo that has been proven safe for baby's sensitive skin
Part 3 of 3: Knowing When to Seek Professional Care for Babies
Step 1. Seek medical help if home treatments don't work or the baby's condition worsens
Signs that indicate that the baby should be taken to the doctor include:
- Symptoms of infection, such as bleeding, pus seeping out from behind the crust, or extreme redness, pain, or fever.
- Swelling and severe itching cause the baby to scratch. This may be a symptom of another skin condition called eczema.
- Scalp can occur in areas of the body other than the scalp, especially the face.
Step 2. Adhere to the medication prescribed by the doctor
If the crusts get worse and become infected or are very inflamed or itchy, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications to treat the infection and reduce inflammation:
- Antibiotics
- Antifungal cream
- Anti-dandruff shampoos containing tar, antifungal medicinal ingredients such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide
- Mild steroid creams such as 1% hydrocortisone cream
Step 3. Do not use over-the-counter medications without consulting your doctor
Steroid creams, antifungal medications, or anti-dandruff shampoos that contain salicylic acid can harm your baby if absorbed through the skin. Your doctor may recommend steroid creams or antifungal medications in some cases, and you should always follow the instructions given.
- Anti-dandruff shampoo containing salicylic acid should not be used for babies.
- You should also consult your doctor before using natural remedies that contain medicinal ingredients, such as Calendula. Calendula is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, but consult a doctor before using it on babies.
Warning
- Tea tree oil may be toxic and an allergen to some people, so it's not recommended for babies.
- Be careful with home remedies that use peanut oil or egg whites as they can cause allergic reactions.
