Cradle cap on the baby

Definition

Cradle cap in babies usually occurs between the third and sixth month of life. They are scaly, yellow-brownish crusts that are mainly noticeable in the scalp, forehead and cheeks. But other parts of the body can also be affected.

The name milk crust is based solely on its appearance, which resembles burnt milk. Clinically, the appearance of milk crust is the first manifestation of neurodermatitis in babies. This is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. Milk crust and neurodermatitis are called atopic eczema.

Causes

External factors, such as stress or grief, can increase the symptoms of dry skin. The baby’s immune system also shows changes in the form of certain antibodies. These are responsible for the development of various allergies, which are often associated with milk crust or neurodermatitis. What causes these antibodies, however, has not yet been clarified.

Symptoms

The symptoms of milk crust are often very clear and typical. It usually occurs in babies between the third and sixth month of life. The formation of milk crust begins with a reddish rash on the baby’s head.

In some cases this can be accompanied by blistering. In addition to the head, other hairy areas of the body are often affected, such as the forehead and cheeks. Arms and legs can also be affected, whereas the diaper area is usually left out.

Dry scales form on the affected body parts, which flake off and leave yellowish to brownish crusts. This is the milk crust in the true sense of the word. The crusts cause severe itching in babies, which is why they cry a lot and scratch the corresponding parts of the body.

However, this makes the situation worse and may cause inflammation caused by bacteria that have migrated into the baby. After the first year of life, these babies often show the symptoms of neurodermatitis, which becomes more visible in the bends of the arms and knees. You can find general information about this under: Baby’s rashEye brows can also be affected by milk crust in addition to the scalp.

If solid scales form in these areas, leaving yellowish-brown crusts, this is the case. As a rule, this does not require any special therapy and the cradle cap disappears by itself. If the itching is very severe, it can help to rub the affected areas with oil and thus loosen the scales.

These should then be removed with a soft cloth. Since babies also have hair in the forehead area, milk crust can also form here. Often the scalp, cheeks and eyebrows are also affected.

Milk crust disappears by itself and usually does not require any special therapy. If the itching is very severe, an oil can be applied to soften and detach the scales, which can then be removed with a soft cloth. Under no circumstances should the parents scrape off the milk crust.

The baby should also be prevented from scratching the spots by putting mittens on them. The symptom itching is the criterion to distinguish milk crust from head gneiss, because the skin changes are often very similar. The itching occurs only with milk crust.

Cool and moist compresses are recommended to alleviate the itching. With the gentle removal of the crusts and scales, the itching often stagnates. Scratching, on the other hand, intensifies the itching even further and provokes open spots into which bacteria can penetrate.

If the general measures do not help, itch-killing or anti-inflammatory therapy can be initiated in consultation with the pediatrician. Creams containing cortisone are particularly suitable for short-term use. Antihistamines used for allergies can also be used in the form of drops to relieve itching.

If the scratched areas have become inflamed, sometimes only antibiotic therapy can help. The first skin irritations of the milk scab are still odorless. With time, however, more and more micro-organisms join in, which find excellent living conditions under the crusts. These then cause an unpleasant smell due to various degradation processes. After extensive head washing with soaking and gentle removal of the crusts, however, the smell also disappears.However, fragrances for the scalp should not be used, as they further increase the inflammatory irritation.