4yr old ds with yellow patches on skin/scalp

[Stolenkisses]

My 4 yr old ds has a yellow sort of cheesy covering over parts of his scalp. He has had it for some time but it has become worse recently. It is possible to pick it off, but I don’t do this too much as the attached hairs often come off at the root. I thought it was cradle cap and have been using special shampoo for this but it doesn’t seem to be helping. I’ve also noticed today that he has little yellow patches on his cheeks! My daughter wondered whether it could be a fungal infection? Any ideas??

Pic

Have you shown it to a doctor?

It looks a bit flaky as I must confess to picking it a bit following his bath!

No, just thought it was cradle cap. I have put off taking him as he is frightened of doctors/ unfamiliar adults. It’s not itchy or anything, but I will take him when things return more to normal. Just wondering whether anyone has any ideas in the meantime?

I would have guessed at cradle cap, is it hurting him ?

Sebhorroeic dermatitis. Try Tgel shampoo.
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710

No, not at all. It’s not even very noticeable. However, it has got worse and wasn’t on his cheeks previously.

Mine had it but only on the scalp. Looked exactly as what’s on your picture. It also had a very unpleasant smell. I used all sort of shampoos and treatments but what cleared it straight away was T Gel shampoo. When his head was wet l would also very gently brush it out, without digging into skin. It’s probably worth checking if it spread on to cheeks though.

@ GlamGiraffe - thanks for the link and yes it does look like the cradle cap picture. Not red or itchy though.

@ Mozartinmyfanjo thanks for the suggestion. I haven’t tried T Gel Shampoo, so will give it a go. I’ve had a good look and he also has some in his eyebrows. Again, it’s not v noticeable as it’s the same colour as his eyebrows, but definitely there.

Is it seborrhoeic dermatitis? I have this. To keep it under control I wash my hair with Head & Shoulders and use any conditioner. If I leave it too long my scalp will become itchy and if the flakes are picked off the skin will be sore and shampooing will sting. It is caused by an over production of a yeast on the scalp. Around every 4 weeks I use Ketokinazole 1% shampoo and follow the instructions.
I can have very occasional flare ups that are a bit more difficult to get under control. On those occasions I will get patches in my ears and eyebrows. For me it is not related to stress or central heating.
If your DS has this, please don't worry, it is managable.

Me again!
I have a friend with this and he has patches on his face. He washes his face with H&S and this gets rid of it. Might not be appropriate for a child though.

Thank you @Joans3rddaughter - yes it is kind of yeasty, so could definitely be that. I wonder how I would get rid of the patches on his eyebrows etc. I think a trip to the doctor is definitely needed.

Looks like cradle cap, can get that on the eyebrows as well. DC2 and DC3 had it all on their scalp - oil and brush with a soft brush. I'll be honest DC2 still has a few flakes.

@Joans3rddaughter. Is it something that reoccurs and you just learn to live with it? Is the tendency to it hereditary like eczema?

Isn’t cradle cap something that just affects babies? I hear people talking about children and adults with “cradle cap” and think nah, it’s seborrhoeic dermatitis.

I’d take him to see a GP/pharmacist if you’re comfortable doing that, especially as it seems to be affecting areas of skin with no hair follicles as well as his scalp.

I think seborrheic dermatitis is the same as cradle cap op so nothing scary

Yes, I’m not overly worried. He’s adopted and has had it since he was 18 months and came to live with me. I assumed it was cradle cap and would go on its own accord and as he is so frightened of unknown adults, I put off taking him to the doctor. I think I will now though as it seems to be spreading a bit.

Where I am most things are being done over the phone so it might be possible for you to send them over a picture and discuss it over the phone instead of taking him in. As a side note he has very similar hair to my younger two, it does seem to get worse in summer which I'm not sure is due to the sun getting through to the scalp more easily and setting it off vs those with thicker dark hair like my eldest.

Thanks @krispycreme. Good idea re telephone appointment. That would save him the stress of seeing the doctor face to face too.

When I use the ketokinazole 1% shampoo, I work up a lather and rub some of that into my eyebrows. I leave it on around 10 mins then rinse off. I think it heredity is probably a factor. My dad had psoriasis and my mum had contact dermatitis. I first started with it when I was in my early 20s. I had an episode of blepharitis and that seemed to be when it started. I've tried all sorts of treatments Selsun shampoo, Almond Oil, T-Gel shampoo, Hydrocortisone 1% cream, but for me , the Ketokinazole 1% shampoo has been most effective and making sure I use it every 4 weeks (prevention rather than cure). It is quite expensive but you will might be able to get it on prescription for your little boy. He might enjoy rubbing up a good lather and creating silly hairstyles! NB. I have just checked the label and says not suitable for children aged under 12 but I would speak to the Pharmacist who may well know of an alternative.

Thanks @Joans3rddaughter. It’s good to go to the doc/pharmacist armed with some ideas.