Is it cradle cap?

Question

My 5 month old has dry skin on his scalp, but it's not yellow like some pics I've seen of cradle cap, It just looks like skin. Could it just be dry scalp?

Answer 1

You should only be 'washing' your baby's hair about once a week. Unless, of course, it's dirty. You may be just overwashing it and drying it out.
Cradle cap is gross. You need to moisten it with baby oil and gently scrape it off the scalp with a fine tooth comb. You should be able to run your finger over it and feel if it's cradle cap..it's rough.
I'd say your just drying out your baby's scalp. Apply baby oil before the next bath, then rinse it out with a gentle baby wash. Then avoid washing it until next week. It's so unnecessary to wash a baby's hair if it isn't dirty. They don't sweat and oil like we do. Wash it when you need to. Or just rinse with water.

Answer 2

I was told it was cradle cap by my doctor. It just isn't severe. Actually, because my son had such thick black hair I didn't even notice it at all!!

I used Mustela Foaming Newborn Shampoo. I bought it at Amazon.com. I know it's pretty expensive. But, he's a year old now and it's all I've been using on him and I still have more than half a bottle. I plan on using it on the new baby due in June.

Using this you don't need any strange methods of toothbrushes or petroleum jelly. Just regular shampoo. At the next bath you could try using your regular shampoo with a comb. Comb through the shampoo to get any scales - rinse and repeat the combing. Once it looks like you've got it all rinse the scales out.

I did the same thing with Mustela and it cleared up in that one shampoo!! We never had that problem again :))

Answer 3

It might just be a dry scalp- but I would definitely make an appointment with the doctor to make sure. My son had cradle cap really bad and needed a prescribed medicated shampoo which did help. But I also used baby oil and a thin comb to brush his hair while he was in the bath.

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/babyills/babyrash/80.html

Answer 4

Your baby mostly likely has a dry scalp. It's actually pretty normal. Research your baby care products before you use them as infant skin is extremely sensitive. Many baby care products (including lotions) contain mineral oil, the molecular structure of which is too large to penetrate the pores of our skin, sitting on the top layer like saran wrap. These products get wiped off over time and give little to no benefit but rather a temporary feeling of softness. Babys need water based product that will penetrate their skin and deeply condition and hydrate with the proper ingredients. Arbonne has a great baby care line that is botanically-based and pH correct, pediatrician and dermatologist tested, non-sensitizing, non-irritating, and formulated without nut oils. They are formulated with natural ingredients like oat flour which is an emollient and an emulsifier. It’s highly absorbent and hypoallergenic. Oat flour helps to soothe and soften dry, itchy and sensitive skin. I think that it's best to try a product first to ensure that's it's beneficial before spending your money. If you're interested in trying a free sample, I'll be happy to send you one.

Answer 5

It definatly could be dry scalp. Try rubbing some olive oil (I'm serious!) and waiting a few minutes then using a soft brush or comb to get rid of the flakes. If that doesn't help, maybe it's the shampoo you are using.

Answer 6

Extra virgin olive oils works good on cradle cap or any flaky skin anywhere on the body. You can just rub some in. It is very good for moisturizing the skin and very safe for babies. I used it all the time on my baby.

Answer 7

It could be.Try putting lotion on it and let it sit for a Little bit,then try to comb it out.My nice had the same problem so we combed it out and it helped.She still had it for a few months then it stopped on it's own.The doc did not help much.

Answer 8

I'm sure its dry skin, my son was the same way. i just put a little baby lotion on his head a few times a day and it went away.

Answer 9

could be, but you can treat it like cradle crap. i used a baby brush and baby oil, and lightly scrub there head.