Cradle cap is a term used to describe a form of seborrheic dermatitis that affects infants in the first three months of life. It is a self-limited inflammation of the skin of the scalp, presenting as yellow crusted lesions. The condition usually subsides within the first year.
The cause is thought to be a reaction to some substance in the sebum or fatty material that is released by the sebaceous glands of the scalp skin. This is possibly caused by an excess of sebum-producing hormones in the infant’s blood, which have been transferred from the mother in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Symptoms
Cradle cap is not infectious, nor is it the result of unhygienic practices. It has the appearance of greasy whitish-yellow crusts or large flakes or scales of skin, while the surrounding skin may appear reddened. The scales may detach carrying the overlying hair with it; the hair, however, does grow back. …show more content…
While the most common site of cradle cap is on the scalp, it can also occur on the face and neck, the ears, diaper area, and skin folds such as behind the knee or under the arm.
Complications
Cradle cap may become infected in some children. In these cases, the skin under the crust will look red and possibly swollen. Furthermore, blisters, pus, or weeping lesions may develop. Usually caused by the same skin bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus, this may require topical antibiotic treatment. Secondary fungal infection may be treated with antifungal ointments.
The infection may spread to other parts of the body to cause impetigo or school sores. The baby may appear sick or become feverish if more severe infection sets
The cause is thought to be a reaction to some substance in the sebum or fatty material that is released by the sebaceous glands of the scalp skin. This is possibly caused by an excess of sebum-producing hormones in the infant’s blood, which have been transferred from the mother in the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Symptoms
Cradle cap is not infectious, nor is it the result of unhygienic practices. It has the appearance of greasy whitish-yellow crusts or large flakes or scales of skin, while the surrounding skin may appear reddened. The scales may detach carrying the overlying hair with it; the hair, however, does grow back. …show more content…
While the most common site of cradle cap is on the scalp, it can also occur on the face and neck, the ears, diaper area, and skin folds such as behind the knee or under the arm.
Complications
Cradle cap may become infected in some children. In these cases, the skin under the crust will look red and possibly swollen. Furthermore, blisters, pus, or weeping lesions may develop. Usually caused by the same skin bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus, this may require topical antibiotic treatment. Secondary fungal infection may be treated with antifungal ointments.
The infection may spread to other parts of the body to cause impetigo or school sores. The baby may appear sick or become feverish if more severe infection sets