Cradle cap: causes and solutions to relieve your baby

20/03/2025
Les croûtes de lait : causes et solutions pour soulager votre bébé

Cradle cap is a common concern among infants, often worrying new parents. These small, yellowish patches, while harmless, can alter the appearance of your baby's scalp and raise questions. In this article, we explore the causes of cradle cap, solutions for treating and preventing it, and suitable products.

Diagnosis of cradle cap

How to recognize cradle cap?

Cradle cap appears in the first 3 months of a baby's life, as yellowish or whitish greasy patches that often form on the scalp and other parts of the body . It does not cause pain or itching in the child and is not contagious.

What causes cradle cap?

Cradle cap is not, as its name suggests, related to babies' milk-rich diet. Nor is it a reflection of poor hygiene. It is a common phenomenon linked to a significant secretion of sebum , an oily substance that the skin produces to protect itself. Dead skin cells are trapped by sebum on the surface of the skin and scalp and then form cradle cap.

Areas most affected by cradle cap

Although the scalp is the most affected area, cradle cap can also appear on other parts of the body, such as the eyebrows, behind the ears, or in skin folds. These areas are richer in sebum, thus promoting the appearance of scales.

UN-HOMME-ET-UNE-FEMME-QUI-TIENNENT-LEUR-BEBE-ET-SECHENT-SON-CUIR-CHEVELU

Good care practices to prevent cradle cap

The ideal skincare routine

To gently remove cradle cap, adopt a suitable care routine:

  1. Application & Frequency: Apply BABY Express Cradle Cap once a day to cradle cap, massaging gently. Leave on for 15 minutes for maximum effectiveness.

  1. Rinsing: Rinse the product thoroughly with lukewarm water, approximately 37°C , to gently remove the product. Upon contact with water, it will transform from a gel texture to a milk texture for quick and easy rinsing.

This routine will allow you to permanently eliminate dander while enjoying a moment of care that helps calm baby.

Which care should I use to treat cradle cap?

Using specific products is essential to remove cradle cap. Thanks to the emollients contained in its formula, TOPICREM BABY Cradle Cap Treatment is ideal for softening scales and facilitating their elimination. Its formula, based on prebiotics and natural ingredients such as organic chestnut , respects babies' fragile skin. Also, this treatment is express, with an application time of only 15 minutes , compared to several hours for most existing products.

The importance of a gentle massage

Gentle massages help loosen scabs without irritating the skin. Use your fingers or a soft-bristled brush to make circular motions on the scalp, then wash with a suitable shampoo .

Avoid scratching cradle cap

Removing cradle cap with your fingernails or scraping it off is a bad idea. Because the cradle cap adheres to your baby's skin, you risk irritating or injuring the scalp or the skin beneath the cradle cap.

UN-PERE-ET-UNE-MERE-DONNENT-LE-BAIN-A-LEUR-BEBE

How to permanently prevent cradle cap?

The weekly routine to adopt

To prevent the appearance of cradle cap, follow these recommendations:

  • Wash your baby's scalp regularly with a mild shampoo.
  • Moisturize your baby's scalp with non-greasy products specifically formulated for babies.
  • Avoid overheating rooms , as excessive heat can increase sebum production.

Signs of improvement to watch for

With a proper routine, cradle cap should diminish within a few days or weeks. If it persists or worsens, don't hesitate to consult a pediatrician to rule out any other skin problems.

Taking care of your baby's scalp is essential for their comfort and well-being. With the right products like BABY Cradle Cap Shampoo and Care and a gentle routine , you can effectively treat cradle cap while protecting your child's fragile skin . To discover our full range of baby care products , visit the TOPICREM website.