Baby Eczema or Infantile Seborrheic Eczema or Cradle Cap Eczema

Infantile seborrheic eczema is a common condition affecting babies under one year old, the exact cause of which is unknown. Also referred to as cradle cap, it usually starts on the scalp or the diaper area and quickly spreads. Cradle cap is a crusting and scaling rash found on the scalps of many healthy babies which can be improved quickly and gently with Eczema-Ltd III. Although this type of eczema looks unpleasant, it is not sore or itchy and does not cause the baby to feel uncomfortable or unwell. Normally this type of eczema will clear in just a few months. The greasy yellow scales look unpleasant but they are not uncomfortable or itchy and will resolve in a number of months. The reason for this is the continuing secretion of the greases seen on a baby right after birth.

Cradle cap is the normal buildup of sticky skin oils, scales, and sloughed skin cells. The sebaceous glands in a baby’s skin may be hyper-activated because of mom’s hormones that crossed the placenta just before birth. These glands pump out a greasy substance that keeps the old skin cells attached as it dries. Our body's are constantly making new skin cells at about the rate that we lose old, dry skin cells. The old skin falls off and we usually don't even notice the process. In many healthy infants, the skin cells on their scalp grow faster than they can fall off, leaving a layer of somewhat crusty, extra skin. When this dries up, the scalp will clear. In the meantime, gentle shampooing and massage with warm olive oil will help.

Similar seborrheic scales may also occur on the eyelids, ears, around the nose, and in the groin. Cradle cap may occur in newborns and small children up to the age of 3 years, and is a harmless, temporary condition caused by decreased function of a particular enzyme, resulting in a state similar to dandruff in adults. Cradle cap is not an allergy, and it is not dangerous. Cradle cap may or may not itch. If it itches, excessive scratching of the area may cause additional inflammation and breaks in skin may cause mild infections or bleeding. Cradle cap isn't caused by poor hygiene. It's not contagious, and it probably doesn't bother your baby at all, although if it gets severe it might itch.

Medical intervention is generally not required and basic home treatment will remedy Cradle Cap in Infants. Massage the baby's scalp gently with your fingers or a soft brush to loosen the scales and improve scalp circulation. Give the child daily; gentle shampoos with a mild soap while scales are present. After scales have disappeared, you may reduce shampoos to twice weekly. Be sure to rinse off all soap when bathing. Brush your child's hair with a clean, soft brush after each shampoo and several times during the day. If scales do not easily loosen and wash off, apply some mineral oil to the baby's scalp and wrap warm, wet cloths around its head for up to an hour before shampooing. Then shampoo as directed above. Keep in mind that your baby loses a lot of heat through his scalp. If you use warm, wet cloths with the mineral oil, check frequently to be sure that the cloths have not become cold. Cold, wet cloths could drastically reduce your baby's temperature. If the scales continue to be a problem or concern, or if you child seems uncomfortable or scratches his scalp, contact your physician.He may prescribe a cream or lotion to apply to your baby's scalp several times a day.