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A convenient way of dealing with cradle cap is through the use of the best cradle cap shampoo. There are different varieties suitable for different occasions. Find out the various cradle cap shampoo for babies and dandruff shampoos for cradle cap and how to use them to get rid of the flakes.
Best Cradle Cap Shampoo
One way of dealing with cradle cap is by using cradle cap shampoo. In this, one is required to wash the head of the baby every day using warm water. While at it, massage the area of the scalp that is affected. This will ensure that the water soaks the flakes and loosens them up so they can come off.
When it is kids that one is dealing with, using a mild baby shampoo will facilitate the loosening of the scales. Using a soft brush to comb off the scales after this could help as well. Care though should be taken to ensure that the shampoo used does not leave the scalp dry.
Where regular shampoos do not help in improving the situation, the best option to go for would be medicated dandruff shampoo. This is also perfect in situations where the cradle cap keeps coming back. This can be used a few times a week or as may be directed by the manufacturer. Among some of the active ingredients to look out for in medicated shampoos include:
- Tar: those that contain tar will help to reduce flakiness and help in preventing the skin from drying up.
- Ketoconazole: This has antifungal properties that help to rid the scalp off the flakes.
- Salicylic acid: these are great for grownups and not recommended for babies. It easily gets absorbed by the skin which could be detrimental to their well being.
- Selenium sulfide: This is mostly found in concentrations of up to 1 percent.
While adults can comfortably use the medicated shampoos for cradle cap, it is important to consult a doctor. This will ensure that only safe products are used on the baby. After the shampooing process is over, a cradle cap brush or comb will go a long way in detaching and lifting the flakes off the scalp. This should be done when the hair is still wet and the flakes have been soaked up.
Massaging the scalp with bare hands while shampooing could also work. Make use of a washcloth to wipe the flakes off. While using shampoos for cradle cap, ensure that this is kept off the eyes, mouth, nose and ears of the baby. If this happens, the baby’s skin could get irritated. Discussed below are some great shampoo brands to look out for.
Mustela Cradle Cap Shampoo
Mustella has for many years been known for its high quality products. Mustella cradle cap shampoo is a great product specially formulated for use on babies. This can be used right from the baby’s first day. It is a foam shampoo which can be used for the purposes of preventing and treating cradle cap in newborns.
This shampoo leaves the hair clean, is well balanced and thus gentle on the delicate scalp, contains keratin which helps in eliminating cradle cap and does not have a stinging effect on the eyes of the baby. The product is quite gentle.
Dentinox Cradle Cap Shampoo
Dentinox cradle cap shampoo is an easy to use cradle cap treatment. It only takes a little of it massaged with gentleness yet firmly on the scalp. This helps to get the flakes soaked thus making them easy to lift them off since the process will detach them from the scalp.
The shampoo is safe for use in little ones but contact with the eyes should be avoided. Other than using it for cradle cap treatment, this shampoo can also be used as a regular shampoo. This will help to maintain a clear scalp which will help in keeping the baby’s hair and skin healthy and strong.
Before settling down to use any shampoo brand, it is always important to first read the label.
Gentle Naturals Cradle Cap Shampoo
Another great brand in the treatment of the condition is gentle natural cradle cap shampoo. This helps to easily remove cradle cap on babies. The gentles naturals cradle cap treatment does not only come with the shampoo but with a cradle cap brush and lotion as well. This treatment helps to effectively exfoliate the flakes. It is a special formulation which will also moisturize and soothe the baby’s scalp. It has the advantage of being non-greasy and being fortified with vitamins D and E as well as calendula.
Cradle Cap Shampoo for Babies
When a newborn arrives, rarely does a parent envision their scalp covered with rough flakes in a few days time. However, the flakes normally appear in most babies. This begins in the first weeks of the baby’s life and continues developing within the next months up to when the baby is eight months old. It is possible for the condition to clear up without treatment. However, this takes some time. Intervening will help get rid of it fast. Cradle cap shampoo for babies is a great treatment for the condition.
This can be used alone whereby it is massaged on the affected area and allowed to soak the flakes. After rinsing, one uses a soft baby brush or comb to get the flakes off the scalp. In case this does not seem to help, start of by applying some baby or mineral oil on the scalp. Leave this on for some time until the oil soaks in the cradle cap. Clean this up using the shampoo to get rid of the now loosened cradle cap crusts.
Dandruff Shampoo for Cradle Cap
Dandruff shampoos contain active ingredients such as ketoconazole, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, tar and zinc pyrithione. These actively interact with the cradle cap to help get rid of it. Shampoos containing these are available over the counter in low concentrations. However, in case the condition is severe and a high concentration is needed, one will have to get a prescription from the doctor.
Not all dandruff shampoos are appropriate for use in treatment of baby cradle cap. Before settling for one, it is important to consult a doctor so they can prescribe a safe option. This is important as the baby’s scalp is still delicate and can easily be irritated.
Once you settle for a given dandruff shampoo, ensure it is used correctly for optimal results. Shampoo regularly and gently massage the shampoo on the scalp. Before the skin dries up, use a soft brush to lift off the detached flakes from the scalp.
