Cradle cap in infant: what to do?

Are you worried about scaly patches on your baby’s scalp? Read what Naturopathic Doctor Pina LoGiudice recommends to parents whose infant has cradle cap and get rid of cradle cap naturally!

Why do babies get cradle cap?

We are not really sure. Cradle cap also known as seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants. Seborrhea is a very common inflammatory condition of the skin that creates flaky, white to yellow scales that is due to either a fungal infection or overproduction of the oil glands.

Is cradle cap harmless or can it also be a sign of a most significant medical problem?

In infants, it is usually a harmless condition that is not associated with any significant medical problem. However, if the condition worsens or if the baby is not thriving medical attention is necessary.

What should parents do at the first sign of cradle cap? 

Cradle cap can develop from birth to the first three months of life. The first thing to do is not panic. Since it is usually a self resolving condition, you can leave it alone or if you are not sure what it is, do go to your local pediatrician for an assessment.

What kind of shampoo, lotion or cream is best to reduce cradle cap?

As often the problem resolves itself, aggressive treatment is not necessary. However, I usually recommend to parents that after the baby’s warm bath you can apply coconut oil or olive oil to the scalp to moisten and further soften the  scales. Then with a very fine toothed comb with gentle strokes, you can brush against the scales to remove them or use a wet wash cloth and gently rub the baby’s scalp in circles.

Are you against the use of hydrocortisone cream to treat cradle cap?

I find that it is usually not necessary.

Are there any effective homeopathic remedies you recommend?

I usually do not use homeopathy for cradle cap, but not to say it would not be beneficial. If you can get the specific symptoms on the child, homeopathy does work wonders. 

Would you have any other advice when dealing with cradle cap?

If you are finding that the olive oil/coconut oil is not working, you can also shampoo the scalp using a tea tree oil shampoo while giving an oral probiotic since the cradle cap may have a fungal component. 

How to treat cradle cap with natural remedies?

How to make your own healing cream to get rid of cradle cap? Check out this recipe! Feel free to share your experience with other mums who are dealing with baby skin rashes!

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Interview with Pina LoGiudice
ND, LAc, Licensed Acupuncturist

Dr. Pina LoGiudice graduated from Bastyr University, the leading accredited university for science-based natural medicine. She completed five years of training in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester.

She is a member of the Holistic Moms Association, Holistic Pediatric Association, American Association for Naturopathic Physicians, Physicians for Social Responsibility and is a Diplomat in Acupuncture. She is a past board member, secretary and Vice-President of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Dr. Pina LoGiudice is licensed as an acupuncturist in the State of New York, and is considered a naturopathic physician in the State of Washington, where naturopathic physicians are licensed to practice medicine.

Dr. LoGiudice enjoys working with various conditions - and especially enjoys helping each woman prepare her body for pregnancy and works extensively with natural and Chinese medicines for children’s best health.

She is a co-author in the third edition of the Textbook of Natural Medicine. She is on the adjunctive faculty staff at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Food and Health in Manhattan and has taught at New York University. She has recently been published in the Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, writing about the benefits of garlic for children’s health. She has lectured nationally at the Integrative Health Symposium (formerly CAM Expo) in both New York City and Los Angeles. Considered a natural medicine expert, Dr. LoGiudice has been asked to appear on national (the Hallmark Channel) and local television (News12 Long Island), radio (on the air with Dr. Fratellone, 1600AM), and national media (SustainLane). Dr. Pina also writes articles about natural health for Earth Mama Angel Baby, a company that formulates natural products for pregnancy and early motherhood.

For more information, visit her website: https://www.innersourcehealth.com/

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DISCLAIMER

The information provided on Optiderma.com is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner.

If you are allergic to the foods, herbs, essential oils, any remedies listed here, you must of course avoid them. For example, consuming food that you’re sensitive to will only cause more (not reduce!) inflammation.

Please consult a practitioner (such as Naturopath, Homeopath, Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Dermatologist, ...) to follow the most appropriate treatment to heal your skin. All legal mentions »

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