What are the causes of and solutions to cradle cap?

Cradle caps are oily, yellowish patches that form on your baby's scalp, face and other parts of the body. They are caused by an overproduction of sebum, the natural oil produced by the skin, which can clog pores and lead to inflammation. Cradle cap can appear as early as birth and last for up to a few months.

Causes of cradle cap

The exact causes of cradle cap are not known, but several factors may contribute to it:

Maternal hormones: during pregnancy, the mother's hormones can circulate in the baby's body, leading to an overproduction of sebum.
Fungi: certain types of fungus can develop on your baby's scalp, leading to cradle cap.
Stress: stress can weaken your baby's immune system and increase sebum production.

How to prevent cradle cap?

Although cradle caps cannot be completely avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of their appearance:

Wash your baby's hair regularly with a mild, fragrance-free baby shampoo.
Use a soft brush to gently massage your baby's scalp and remove any scabs.
Avoid using baby products that can irritate the skin, such as perfumes, essential oils and lotions.
Make sure your baby's skin stays moisturized by applying a gentle moisturizing cream.

How to treat cradle cap?

Although cradle caps often disappear on their own, here are some steps you can take to treat them:

Use a mild baby shampoo to wash your baby's hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Use a soft brush to gently massage your baby's scalp. This can help loosen the crusts.
If the cradle caps are very thick, you can use a small amount of mineral oil to soften them before gently removing them with a soft brush.
If cradle caps are accompanied by a rash or infection, consult a doctor. Your baby may need medical treatment, such as an antifungal cream or oral medication.

Why treat cradle cap?

Although benign, it is advisable to treat cradle cap for several reasons:

To improve the appearance of the scalp: thick patches can be unsightly.
Prevent infection: Prolonged accumulation can lead to inflammation or superinfection.
Promote baby's comfort: Although not usually painful, cradle cap can cause mild irritation if it spreads.

How to recognize and differentiate cradle cap in babies?

Cradle cap can easily be confused with eczema, a skin condition that can cause redness, itching and scaling. However, eczema can appear on parts of the body other than the scalp, and may look different from cradle cap. If you're not sure what your baby is suffering from, consult a doctor.

Avoid scratching or rubbing your baby's cradle cap, as this can irritate the skin and aggravate the problem. Avoid using baby products that can irritate the skin, such as perfumes, essential oils and lotions.

Cradle cap is not contagious and cannot be transmitted to others. It's a common skin condition in infants and doesn't mean your baby isn't clean or healthy.

Cradle cap is a common skin condition in infants. Although not serious, they can be uncomfortable for your baby. By following the prevention and treatment tips mentioned in this article, you can help your baby get rid of cradle cap and relieve the discomfort. If cradle cap persists or worsens, consult a doctor.

What can you do to prevent cradle caps in your baby?

Here are the recommended products to use in case of cradle cap:

Specific shampoos

Mustela Shampoo Croûtes de Lait: Formulated to eliminate cradle cap while respecting the sensitive scalp.
Weleda Gel Lavant Bébé au Calendula: Soothes and gently cleanses.

Plant oils

Puressentiel Bébé Massage Oil: Ideal for softening cradle cap before bathing.
Pranarôm Huile Végétale Bio Calendula: Soothing and repairing properties.

Complementary Care

Bioderma ABCDerm Babysquam: Specific cream against cradle cap, enriched with gentle keratolytic agents.
Uriage Bébé 1er Soin Croûtes de Lait: Formulated to moisturize and soothe the affected areas.

What baby care products can I find on the Soin-et-Nature website?

Soin-et-Nature offers a wide range of products to care for baby and meet his or her specific health and well-being needs. Here are the main categories available:

To soothe diarrhea and colic, adapted solutions effectively relieve baby's digestive problems.
To protect baby from insect bites, specially formulated anti-mosquito products provide gentle, safe protection.
To improve baby's digestion, specific supplements promote intestinal comfort.
To relieve teething pains, soothing products offer fast, natural relief.
To promote baby's well-being on a daily basis, targeted skin care products help soothe and comfort.
To treat skin irritations, specially formulated creams soothe and protect baby's sensitive skin.
To clean and decongest baby's nose, specially adapted solutions ensure optimal nasal hygiene.
To complement baby's diet, food supplements meet his specific nutritional needs.
To protect and moisturize baby's skin, gentle, hypoallergenic skin care products respect his delicate epidermis.
To promote comfortable breathing, natural products help clear baby's airways.
To treat cradle cap, gentle, effective solutions help eliminate it gently.
To soothe baby with a moment of relaxation, adapted massage oils nourish the skin and provide a moment of well-being.
To use the benefits of plants in complete safety, essential oils specially formulated for babies meet their specific needs.

These baby care products available on Soin-et-Nature ensure your child's health, comfort and well-being with natural, gentle and appropriate solutions.