Children’s health: cradle cap


        CHILDREN’S HEALTH: CRADLE CAP

Cradle cap (seborrhoeic dermatitis) is a skin condition in which yellowish, scaly, or crusty patches appear on the scalp. The crusty patches are made up largely of oil and dead skin cells. Cradle cap is most common in infants, but it is seen in children through age five. Temporary loss of hair is common.

Signs and symptoms
The key sign of cradle cap is the yellowish, scaly, crusty appearance of the patches. A greasy scalp film can be scraped off. The patches most often appear on the scalp, but may extend onto the forehead. Patches may also appear in the skin fold behind the ears, on the ears, and in the nappy area. The most typical location in infants is over the soft spot in the scalp (the anterior fontanelle).

Home care
Mild cases of cradle cap on the scalp can be cleared by daily, vigorous shampooing. Use soap on a wet, rough facecloth wrapped around the palm of your hand. If regular soap or shampoos do not clear the condition, special shampoos that contain coal tar or salicylic acid are useful. If necessary, apply ointments containing sulphur, salicylic acid, or coal tar to the scalp daily.

Precautions
• Be sure that medicated shampoos and ointments do not get into your child's eyes.
• Stop using medicated shampoos or ointments if the scalp or skin becomes irritated or red.

Medical treatment
Your doctor will determine whether the condition is cradle cap or some other skin condition, such as a yeast infection or an allergic skin reaction. The doctor's treatment will be the same as home care. In addition, a steroid cream or ointment may be prescribed.

*42/84/5*
GENERAL HEALTH

«Online Pharmacy. Cheap Prescription Drugs.»