Cradle cap also known as honey comb disease affects most of the babies in the initial 9-12 weeks of a baby’s life. The symptoms of cradle are physical only with a yellowish, greasy patch appearing on the head, near the ear lobes and around the forehead. It looks very much like a greasy patch of dandruff. It is a common condition and usually have milder form which does not bother the baby. It only looks shabby and dirty. It is caused by fungus or oil produced by the glands naturally.
Severe cases of cradle cap may present itself in form of cracked and bleeding skin. The treatment of this condition may include intake of medicines and application of anti-fungal ointment. In this article we will introduce various natural cures that will help you in alleviating this condition on your baby’s skin. However, there might be some substances, that may not suit baby’s sensitive skin, parents are advised to do a patch test for the baby before using the cure.
Best 6 Natural Cures For Cradle Cap
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is an anti-microbial herb which is very mild and soothing for the skin. It also carries minimum risk of reacting with the skin. Obtain fresh Aloe Vera gel directly from the plant and refrain from storing it. Apply it on your baby’s head with your finger tips and massage lightly especially on the patch.
However, do not try to scratch or use your nails. It may worsen the infection and also cause bleeding. Let it dry, you can then cover it with a cap or cloth. Apply it twice on the baby’s scalp. Even if you are giving a hair wash to the baby, apply this gel after you have dried the baby’s head thoroughly. Do not add any oil to the gel for aroma or otherwise, the gel will moisturize the baby’s scalp and fight the infection as well.
Wash It Off
Regular shampooing is considered to be a great way of alleviating and even preventing this condition. Twice to three times in a week is good enough but if you massage your babys everyday including his or her head, then it is recommended that you clean the scalp thoroughly by shampooing.
However, washing the scalp everyday can cause dryness and in fact make the glands produce more oil which will actually go on to worsen this condition. Therefore, apply a few drops of mild oil after washing the hair and just pour a mug of lukewarm water to reduce the stickiness of the oil.
Home Remedies For Cradle Cap
Top Effective Herbal Remedies For Cradle Cap
Lemon It Off
Lemon is a natural cleanser which clears the accumulation on the scalp. But lemon is acidic in nature and must be used with an oil. You can use any oil which suits your baby’s skin with the lemon juice. Cut a slice of lemon and extract its juice which you can mix with equal quantity of oil.
Apply this potion on baby’s scalp with the very lemon slice from which you have squeezed out the juice. Dip the lemon slice in the oil and juice mix, gently rub it on baby’s scalp. This will not only clean the skin but also remove the flakes accumulated on the baby’s scalp effectively.
Yogurt
Yogurt is an anti-fungal agent which clears the fungal infection by using bacteria that thrives in it. The bacteria Lactobacillus is what fights the fungus. Take some yoghurt and apply it on the baby’s scalp and rub it gently. You may even use the lemon slice which will gently de-crust the flakes on the scalp.
The advantage of yoghurt is that it will not only fight the infection but also moisturizes the head of the baby. You may even prepare buttermilk for washing the baby’s head. Also make sure that the curd is fresh and not refrigerated. If it is cold then the baby can easily catch cold or develop congestion.
Comb Out With Oil
Though one of the main causes of this condition is overactive sebaceous glands but it is an irony that oil and moistening is required for treating the cradle cap naturally. Take any oil which suits your baby’s skin. Olive, coconut and mustard oils are preferable as they themselves have natural anti-microbial properties.
Apply the oil profusely and let it rest for at least an hour. Then take a comb with soft brush and comb through the scalp. You will find the flakes coming off the skin easily. Do not overdo this procedure as it might inflame the baby’s very soft skin. Remember to wash off the baby’s head and drying it thoroughly. Do this oiling and combing routine every alternate day and this skin condition will get alleviated very fast in 2-3 sessions. Just ensure that you wash off the oil completely from baby’s head otherwise it will worsen this condition further.
Humidify
Look around your house, is the heating or air conditioning gotten rid of your house of natural moisture. Dryness is a big reason behind worsening the cradle cap and its recurrence. You can use a medical humidifier for the room where baby spends most of his or her time. You can even switch it on when the baby sleeps so that he stays in a humid environment all through the night. This process is beneficial in many ways apart from helping with cradle cap.
Warmth and humidity soothes the bay, prevents sore throats, cough and cold. In other cases where baby is suffering from congestion humidifier will help the baby in breathing easier. If you do not have a humidifier then you can simply place 2 large pans of boiled and steaming water in the baby’s room while he or she sleeps. This procedure must be used only when baby is sleeping as it presents burn hazard. You may also place a warm wet towel on baby’s scalp for 10 minutes after oiling. This will soften the flakes which can be combed out easily. Wash off with the baby’s regular shampoo.
Use these simple home tested natural cures for getting rid of the ugly flakes on your baby’s scalp instead of the chemical infused ointments and medicines. These cures are as effective as the medicines. But if you do not see any improvement then it is good idea to see the doctor ones.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
