Dandruff In Babies: Causes, Symptoms, And Helpful Remedies

Babies have extremely delicate and sensitive skin. Hence, this makes it easy for their skin to get dry and irritated. Hence, dandruff in babies is common, where dry, flaky skin develops on their heads. However, with the right care along with using mild baby shampoo, baby dandruff usually goes away within a week or so.

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What’s Baby Dandruff?

Known as seborrheic dermatitis, baby dandruff is similar to the dandruff adults may develop. They are dry and flaky skin on your baby’s scalp.

However, there is a difference between baby dandruff and the kind that adults sometimes get. Dandruff in babies may lead to a condition called cradle cap.

A cradle cap is a temporary condition which results in making a baby’s scalp crusty or oily. Scaly patches occur on a baby’s scalp. However, thick white or yellow scales develop on the baby’s head which is difficult to remove.

Normally, the cradle cap clears up within weeks or a few months on its own. It is rarely seen after 12 months of age in most babies. These scales can also occur on the eyelids, nose, groin and ears including the scalp. However, this condition is neither painful nor itchy.

Symptoms Of Baby Dandruff

There are several different signs that your little one has dandruff. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• Red, yellow or pink colouration on and around your baby’s head
• Flaky and dry skin on your baby’s scalp
• Dry patches that may be scaly, crusty, oily or rough to touch

While baby dandruff is unappealing, remember that it hardly ever causes any discomfort. Baby dandruff is not infectious, is not caused by poor hygiene habits, and is very common in children who are under one year of age.

It might also help how to tell baby dandruff apart from other skin conditions, like a rash, eczema, or ordinary dry, peeling skin.

All these other skin conditions will not just form on your baby’s head. They usually appear all over your little one’s body, including their torso, arms and legs. Baby dandruff will be found only on your little one’s scalp.

Plus, many other skin conditions, like hives and heat rash appear very suddenly. This will help you to differentiate baby dandruff.

Remedies For Dandruff In Babies

1. Use mild shampoo to wash your baby’s hair at least once in two days. Avoid using any medicated shampoo without your doctor’s recommendation.

2. You can also apply mineral oil to the baby’s scalp for a couple of hours to let it sit in case there is heavy scaling and then shampoo the hair as usual. 

3. Use a soft brush to gently remove scales.

4. You may also use low-potent hydrocortisone cream or shampoo with 2 per cent antifungal ketoconazole medication recommended by your doctor if the shampoo does not help.

5. Remedies like cradle cap shampoo can be used to wash your baby’s scalp regularly. Ensure that the shampoo is mild and wash gently to help remove the scales. Avoid scratching the cradle cap.

Dandruff in babies is nothing to worry about. While it might be a little unappealing, it’s a normal condition that is not even causing your baby any discomfort. Along with the tips above and gentle shampoos, your baby’s dandruff will heal.

Cover image credit – Canva