Are there white flakes on your little one's scalp that look like dandruff? No need to worry, Mother. This is normal, how come. To overcome this, come on, pay attention to the following steps!
White flakes or crusts on the scalp that look like dandruff or cradle cap is a common thing in babies, and is not a sign that the baby's hygiene is not maintained. Generally cradle cap On the baby's scalp appears in the first few months and will disappear within 6-12 months.
Causes of Dandruff on Baby's Scalp
Even though the cause cradle cap cannot be ascertained, but some experts believe that this is influenced by hormones from pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy that are transmitted to the baby. The hormone then produces excessive oil on the scalp.
Another possibility that makes babies experience cradle cap is a mushroom Malassezia and bacteria that grow on the oil. Generally cradle cap not contagious. It's just that when the condition is severe, the baby's scalp will feel itchy.
Signs or symptoms in infants who have cradle cap is the appearance of thick crusts on the scalp, there are white or yellow scales on the scalp that are oily or dry, and may be accompanied by redness of the scalp.
3 Steps to Overcome Dandruff in Babies
In fact cradle cap does not require special treatment, because it is harmless and can go away on its own. Just do the following 3 steps of treatment:
- Before shampooing, gently massage baby's scalp with baby oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly to help the crust or scales peel off. Leave it for 15 minutes.
- After that, wet the baby's scalp and rub gently with a facial brush or a soft toothbrush for a few minutes, to remove the crusts.
- Wash baby's hair and scalp with special baby shampoo, rinse thoroughly, then dry with a towel. Make sure there is no residual oil on the scalp, as it can clog the pores.
- To make it easier to remove the oil, let the shampoo sit for a few minutes on your scalp before rinsing it off.
If after carrying out the above treatment, cradle cap is still there or is getting worse, expanding, or causing wounds on the scalp, you should immediately check your little one to the doctor.
Doctors may suggest using adult dandruff shampoo to clean your baby's scalp and hair, if regular shampooing with baby shampoo doesn't work. But be careful, make sure the shampoo doesn't get in his eyes.
Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory cream if your baby's scalp is irritated, and an antifungal medication if a yeast infection is present. Keep in mind, don't carelessly give medicine to your little one without the doctor's approval, right!
No need to panic when you see the baby's head has dirt such as dandruff. Perform the steps above in an effort to overcome it at home. If you are still in doubt, you can take your little one to a pediatrician.
