Cradle cap in a 2.5 year old

[sandyballs]

I thought I would ask all you experienced mum's out there for a bit of advice. One of my twin DD's who is 2.5 still has cradle cap - I always thought this was a newborn problem rather than a toddler problem. Her scalp is very flaky and smells cheesy and when I'm brushing her hair it comes out very easily so she is starting to get very thin on top, poor little love. Has anyone else had this problem? The doctor gave me shampoos and lotions which seemed very toxic and had little effect, I have tried olive oil and baby oil, again with little effect. Any advice?

Both my kids suffer from this and ds is 5.5 ! dd has had it worse and it got infected when she was just over a year old. We've used Dentinox shampoo with some success but it is generally worse at this time of year - cold dry air and dry atmosphere indoors with heating on.

Both my children had this problem. Two potential solutions:

1. Take them swimming - the chlorine always seemed to make it better

2. Mix up a watery paste of bicarobate of soda and apply to the head. It will fizz up a bit on contact. Rinse off and comb hair using one of the very fine combs normally used for nits. My mothers friend who is in her 80s used to be a nursery nurse and recommended this - I was highly sceptical but it works!

Down side of both methods is that they don't stop it from coming back. However over a period of a year or so it finally went. DD was probably 4 and DS 3 when it finally cleared up.

I used Armond oil from the chemist. it cost 60p for a small bottle. Rubbed it in and then combed it through. You will need a towel to wipe the comb with, as it gets a bit yucky and then wash aboout 2-3 times with shampoo, it should clear it

My dd aged 3 also has this, so I'll try your tip Miaow - thanks! I also tried Dentinox shampoo and only use mild baby shampoos on her hair, yet at the top of her head it is still a crusty yellow and if she happens to fall asleep in my lap, I just can't resist picking it! Had to stop that though as her hair has started coming out with it, same as Sandyballs said (I hope you're not a man btw with a nickname like that!).

My ds still has a small amount of cradle cap on his head and i have never worried about it (it doesn't smell though) I have always picked it! never lost any hair though!

My daughter still had this at 6. Took her to the doctor who prescribed Nizoril (sp?). It's actually a fungal infection. This stuff has worked though - twice a week at first and as and when afterwards. Had tried all the oils (before a school day which is not to be recommended) and Detinox to no effect.

'Infantile seborrhoeic eczema

A common condition affecting babies under one year old, the exact cause of which is unknown. Also referred to as cradle cap, it usually starts on the scalp or the nappy area and quickly spreads. Although this type of eczema looks unpleasant, it is not sore or itchy and does not cause the baby to feel uncomfortable or unwell. Normally this type of eczema will clear in just a few months, though the use of moisturising creams and bath oils can help to speed this along. '

dd1 had this, i rubbed her emoillant into her head and comb it gently starting from her forehead backwards. took a few washes to do this, and her did look greasy but it worked.

Hi

We also have this problem in our house and ds is 5.5 too.

I read on another site (but haven't tried it yet) that the miracle cure is................................................................................................................. Love Oil from Ann Summers!!!

Don't ask me how they found out :0 haven't a clue! Must have been either desperation or by accident.

Let me know if you try it and I might have the guts to go get some too.

Both of mine had cradle cap until quite old (ds2 still has it at 22 months). I pick at it as well. Ds1's did go eventually by itself.

Just bought the Almond Oil which I needed any as a base oil for the aromatherapy massage oils for labour. I've rubbed a tiny bit into her scalp and left it there, I'll brush her hair gently tonight. It's also great for conditioning as her hair is very fine and unruly, a small amount of the oil on the ends of the hair made it all nice and shiny and manageable!
So there you go, a nice conditioner if nothing else! And all natural of course!

Lol Rhubarb, hope it works for you.