Parents soon to be parents rely on the many ‘what to expect when your baby is born’ tips and reminders that books and websites provide. Parents should be aware of any health issues that their infant may encounter in the first few months. This will help parents avoid panic and allow them to know what to do to ensure their baby is safe.
Cradle Cap
It is a common skin condition that newborn babies may encounter. Cradle Cap, also known as honeycomb or milk crust, is a skin condition that can be seen in newborn babies. It looks very similar to dandruff found in adults. The baby cap is visible on the child’s head and sometimes extends behind their ears, on their eyelids and eyebrows.
The skin condition is described as a yellowish, crusty, and greasy patch of scaly skin. It is not itchy and does not cause pain. Parents should still seek treatment as the Cradle Cap can worsen in some cases. Fungal infections and the skin’s glands are the causes of this condition.
This ailment is most commonly thought to be caused by poor hygiene and allergy. It is believed that babies are most often affected by fungal infections. Sometimes, antibiotics can also play a role in why babies get it.
Did you know?
This skin condition can be more common if the mother was given antibiotics at conception or if the doctor gave antibiotics to the baby during his first week of life. Antibiotics kill both harmful and good bacteria, so anyone taking them would be at risk for fungal infections. Good bacteria prevents yeast growth. Infants could develop fungal infections in their ears, diaper area, and scalp if antibiotics also kill good bacteria.
This is commonly known as baby-cradle cap. Cradle Cap can also be a natural condition, especially if it is caused overactive sebaceous cells in the skin. Since their mother’s hormones remain in their system, most infants have overactive skin glands. The sebaceous glands can release a greasy substance that can cause skin cells to stick to the scalp. This is why cradle caps babies get it. The greasy substance will disappear once the glands have settled. The condition can become more severe and could even cause permanent damage to the baby’s health.
Remember
Parents should seek immediate medical attention if the baby Cap becomes thicker, spreads, or becomes irritated. This can lead to ear and mouth infections. The color of the CradleCap is a sign mothers should pay attention to. If the Cradle Cap turns red or cracks, it is important to immediately seek medical attention. This is because bacteria can use the wound as a breeding ground for bacteria, which could lead to impetigo.
Mild cases, such as those caused overactive sebaceous cells, can be gently washed and home remedies can be administered by parents. Cradle Caps are mild cases that can be treated with petroleum jelly and lotion. The child’s hair can be washed frequently by parents. The scales can then be brushed away with a soft brush. Mineral oil and olive oil can be used to loosen the crusts or scales. Parents can then use a soft brush with a soft brush to remove the flakes. Most pediatricians will also recommend medicated shampoos with salicylic acid to the infant. This is often used to treat athlete’s foot, jockitch, and yeast infections.
Be aware
Expecting parents should be aware of the most common conditions their child may develop in their early years. It will save them time, worry, and hassle if they are familiar with the symptoms and how to treat them.
