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Cradle Cap in Babies
By Julia Stone
If you are the parent of a baby, chances are that you already heard of cradle cap. For those of you that did not, let me quickly explain to you what it is.
What is cradle cap?
Cradle cap develops most of the time within the first three months of your baby's life. It looks like yellow, light orange colored waxy flakes that are on your baby's scalp. Although it might not look very esthetically, it does not hurt or bother your child.
What are the causes of this condition?
The reason why babies get cradle cap is not yet completely known. Some doctors and researchers believe that it is connected to overactive glands in the skin of newborn babies. And this is due to the mother's hormones that might be still in the baby's circulation. These glands then secrete a greasy substance that form a layer with the old skin cells that are attached to the babies scalp. And that's how your baby gets cradle cap. Please note, that it has nothing to do with poor hygiene, an infection or an allergy. Another theory is that the baby's digestive system is still not able to absorb certain vitamins (especially the B-complex).
How to treat cradle cap
If the condition is still in its mild form, you can try to wash your baby's head every second day with a mild baby shampoo. If you continue this for a few weeks, it will eventually disappear.
Other people apply some olive oil or mineral oil one to two hours before they intend to wash the baby's head. The oil will then soften the dry skin cells and it will wash out easier.
If you are very gentle, you can try to comb out the waxy cells with a soft towel or soft brush. Just remember that babies have a soft spot on the top of their skull. (A place where the bones of the head are not yet grown together, and thus very vulnerable.)
Some other remedies
Other people I heard from, use petroleum jelly (Vaseline). They apply it overnight and the scales should be ready to be brushed off in the morning.
You could also make a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on for ten minutes. That should help as well to lift up those waxy flakes.
In any case, don't expect cradle cap to disappear immediately. Just be patient and know, that if will clear up eventually. Although I would like to note, that in some very bad cases it is known to persists right into the toddler years. If you see that the condition is getting worse at any time, go see a doctor for advice.
For the last 7 years Julia worked closely with babies and older children. One of her latest websites she created was http://childrensrainboots.org/. On this website Julia reviews the cutest Childrens Rain Boots of the season.
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