Cradle cap is a common skin condition in newborn infants usually during the initial two months of their birth.

It is non-contagious condition and involves rough, scaly, crusty and greasy patches that clear up on their own within few months. Their appearance is white, yellow or dark color

Signs and Symptoms

The scaly, greasy and oily crusts are made up of scales, dead skin cells, and sebum.

Some accompanying indications might include

• Redness
• Hairs that tend to grow back
• Scales over eyelid, face, ear, neck
• Cracks and bleeding

It is known by the name as it appears on the scalp portion of the baby.

Sometimes these patches may also become red and flaky causing anyone to misinterpret them with an itchy skin condition.

As severe it might look owing to the physical appearance, it is neither allergic nor of bacterial origin. The only thing that can concern you is the hair loss.

But as your baby’s cradle cap heals, hair regrows back.

Homeopathic medicines are effective to gently treat this condition without any side effects.

Though cradle cap is prominent on the scalp it may also appear at the following places.

• Face
• Ears
• Diaper area
• Armpits

Homeopathic remedies help regulate the excessive secretion of sebum and hence treat the underlying cause.

Further being natural and mild, these can be safely taken for infants.

Cause of Cradle Cap

The exact cause of cradle cap is still unknown.

Perhaps, one possible reason could be the passing of hormones from the mother to the baby in the womb.

After birth, as the child still retains the hormones for some duration.

This leads to increased sebum production in the oil glands and the hair follicles of the baby.

A reaction by fungus Malassezia may also cause this condition.

Bacteria, fungus or unhygienic environment are not the risk factors for this condition

Prevention

Here are some tips to deal with cradle cap

Shampoo

Cleaning your baby’s scalp regularly helps remove extra oils.

Using a mild shampoo and as recommended by the doctor should be used.

Make sure to consult the doctor regarding the ingredients list of the shampoo used.

Baby brush

Gently comb your baby’s hair with a mild brush

Lubricate

Use jelly oils and ointments as recommended by the doctor

Homeopathy for Cradle Crap

Homeopathic remedies are mild and gently heal the symptoms by treating the underlying cause. The remedies are prescribed after an analysis of your infant’s cradle cap condition.

These remedies help regulate the production of excessive sebum by regulating oil glands.

Top homeopathic remedies for cradle cap

Kali Sulph

• Yellow scales
• Moist and sticky

Graphites

• For scales on eyelids, scalp and behind the ear
• Sticky fluid
• Scales may come up again after washing

Natrum Mur

• Greasy, oily and scaly
• White scales
• Redness over scalp

Thuja

• White scales on the scalp
• Honey like the smell from the scalp

Mezereum

• For cradle cap with a thick crust
• White chalk-like scabs

Arsenic Album

Rough dry and dirty scales

Dulcamara

Thick brown crusts
Reddish borders

Petroleum

The yellow-green crust on the scalp
Difficult to clear and tend to bleed

If you still have any doubt or concerns, please feel free to drop me a message at info@RChomeopathy.com.au and I will get back to you soon.

Note: Do not self-medicate any of the remedies listed above . Consult a qualified homeopat