Is there white flakes on your little scalp that looks like dandruff? No need to worry, Mother. This is natural, really. To overcome this problem, let's pay attention to the following steps!
Flakes or white crust on the scalp that looks like dandruff or cradle cap is a common thing in babies, and is not a sign that the baby's hygiene is less 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
Although the cause of cradle cap is uncertain, some experts believe that this is influenced by hormones from pregnant women in the last trimester of pregnancy delivered to the baby. The hormone then produces excessive oil on the scalp.
Another possibility that makes babies experience cradle cap is Malassezia fungus and bacteria that grow on the oil. Generally cradle cap is not contagious. It's just that when the condition is severe, the baby's scalp will feel itchy.
Signs or symptoms in babies with cradle cap are the appearance of thick crust on the scalp, there are white or yellow scales on oily or dry scalp, and may be accompanied by redness on the scalp.
3 Steps to Overcome Dandruff in Babies
Actually cradle cap does not need special treatment, because it is not dangerous and can disappear by itself. Just do the following 3 steps of treatment:
- Before shampooing, massage the baby's scalp gently with baby oil, olive oil, or petroleum jelly to help crust or flaky scales. Let stand for 15 minutes.
- After that, wet the baby's scalp then rub gently with a facial brush or a soft toothbrush for a few minutes, to shed the crust.
- Wash baby's hair and scalp with a special baby shampoo, rinse thoroughly, then dry with a towel. Make sure there is no residual oil on the scalp, because it can clog pores.
- To make the oil easier to lift, leave the shampoo for a few minutes on the scalp before rinsing.
If after doing the above treatment, cradle cap is also still there or even getting worse, expanding, or causing sores on the scalp, you should immediately check your child to the doctor.
Your doctor may recommend the use of adult dandruff shampoo to clean your baby's scalp and hair, if shampooing regularly with baby shampoo is unable to cope. But be careful, make sure the shampoo does not touch his eyes.
The doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory creams if the baby's scalp becomes irritated, and antifungal drugs if there is a fungal infection. Keep in mind, do not carelessly give medicine to Little without the doctor's approval, Bun!
No need to panic if you see the baby's head experiencing dirt such as dandruff. Perform the steps above in an effort to overcome it at home. If you are still in doubt, you can have your child checked by a pediatrician.
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