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Cradle Cap

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Bet you never thought your new baby could star in a dandruff-shampoo commercial, did you? But if you've noticed a scaly rash on him, it could be cradle cap, which in essence is not much different from dandruff.

Cradle cap is characterized by a reddish, scaly build-up, but fortunately for your baby, it's pain- and itch-free, so he should be blissfully unaware of his condition. And, while cradle cap crops up by four weeks or so, it's usually long gone by your baby's first birthday, and often much sooner.

Like baby acne, this is another infant skin condition you can blame on your maternal hormones. Cradle cap is caused by excessive production of sebum (oil)...

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Mar 5, 2008 at 10:39:17 AM

Does anyone have any tips for dealing with cradle cap?

Use petroleum jelly and work it in the scalp.  Then carefully comb it out with an infant hair brush.  It really doesn't look too attractive but you still want it all off as quickly as possibly.  Resist the urge to scrape it all off and comb it out as the petroleum jelly and comb will allow.

 

Using olive oil to get rid of cradle cap may sound like an old-wives tale but it really does work! Put a few drops on your fingers and rub it in a bit before applying to your child's head. You kid might smell like an Italian deli for a little while but the cradle cap will be gone in no time.

 

Selsun Blue, the dandruff shampoo, can take it right off!  Be careful to only use a smidge and to make sure it doesn't rinse into their eyes as it is NOT tear-free.  After bath, use a comb and the cradle cap will come right off.

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Cradle Cap FAQ Dr. Greene's answers to commonly asked questions about cradle cap.
November 30, 2007 Not Acceptable?

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winnie_ca
winnie_ca
November 30, 2007

Cradle Cap and the Averted Eyes

When my nephew was a baby he had a really bad case of cradle cap. I felt so bad for him even though I knew it wasn't serious. The funniest part when I would babysit and see strangers with baby love in their eyes lurch toward my nephew...  read more

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glvogelzang
glvogelzang
August 01, 2007

Cradle Cap Remedy

A little Head&Shoulders shampoo works great, too!

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