How can i cure cradle cap

If symptoms persist and there seems to be no improvement with treatment, I would suggest seeing a doctor because—very rarely—severe, treatment-resistant cradle cap can be associated with immune system problems. Treating cradle cap can be very rewarding, says Ramien. Ramien recommends avoiding olive oil, regardless of what you read on the internet.

Avoid scratching or picking at the scales because it can make the condition worse. Occasionally, Ramien will prescribe an antifungal shampoo ketoconazole to help treat the yeast and, very rarely, an anti-inflammatory cream or oil that contains a mild topical corticosteroid like hydrocortisone , combined with an anti-yeast cream.

Baby health 4 ways to get rid of cradle cap for good Toss the hats! Photo: iStock. What causes cradle cap? Do not use over-the-counter steroid or antifungal creams or anti-seborrhea shampoos without checking first with the doctor. Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis in the diaper area or skin folds can get infected.

Talk to your doctor if the rash gets worse or there are any signs of infection the skin looks red, starts to drain fluid, or feels warm. Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants usually get better by 12 months of age. Seborrhea may come back around puberty as dandruff.

Cradle Cap Seborrheic Dermatitis in Infants. Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is Cradle Cap? Seborrhea looks: red and moist in skin creases and folds like the neck and behind the ears yellowish with greasy patches or crusts scaly or flaky. Cradle cap usually doesn't require medical treatment, as it usually goes away on its own.

In the meantime, wash your baby's hair once a day with mild baby shampoo. If the scaling is heavy, apply mineral oil to the scalp for a couple of hours before shampooing. Then wash the hair as usual and brush the scalp lightly with a soft brush to loosen the scale. If frequent shampooing doesn't help, talk with your baby's doctor about products that might help, such as a low-potency hydrocortisone cream or a shampoo with 2 percent antifungal ketoconazole medication.

Be sure the shampoo doesn't get in your baby's eyes, as it may cause irritation. Don't use over-the-counter cortisone or antifungal creams without talking to your baby's doctor, because some of these products can be toxic when absorbed through a baby's skin. Dandruff shampoos that contain salicylic acid aren't recommended for use in babies either, because they can be absorbed through the skin.

The following over-the-counter treatments and home care tips can help you control and manage cradle cap.