Today I am happy to share this tried-and-true, works-every-time, easy tip for how to get rid of cradle cap. But first...
Did you know that doctors are unsure as to what causes cradle cap, but some think it is often caused by a hormonal imbalance?? That it has nothing to do with how well you wash or rinse your child's hair? Although, that's no excuse for not scrubbing. :) Did you know it's considered a kind of rash? I know!! Weird, huh?
Which is why I wasn't ridiculous with panic when I found this little patch of cradle cap on my much-too-old-to-have-cradle-cap child. For some reason, his body was getting rid of impurities, excess hormones, who knows? Detoxing is bizarre. Try it. I dare you.
Anyway, as you can see cradle cap is sorta nasty to look at. And don't even bother with picking it off. You'll be there all day, your child's head will be sore, and the stuff could come back if it's not ALL removed. Besides...ewwww.
So. My tip? (Alright, alright, it's actually our pediatrician's tip. I'll give credit where it's due. But only 'cause we think he's a genius doc.) An. old. toothbrush.
Yep. You heard (read?) me right. Give yourself an excuse to go get a new toothbrush. You probably needed one anyway. ;) Shampoo the spot, massaging well, and leave it to sit for a few minutes. (Be sure to use a mild shampoo. Or try the homemade version we use! It's also important to note that tea tree oil, which is an ingredient in this shampoo, is one of the home remedies often used to treat cradle cap.) Then take your old toothbrush and scrub. Back and forth, in circles, etc. Don't hurt your child. And be careful if your child actually has some length to his hair, as mine does. But scrub vigorously and fairly hard. And then rinse well.
The next thing you'll need is one of these finest-of-fine-toothed combs they only make for brand-new infants. The teeth, being so close together, will grab any remaining flakes or residue from your scrub fest.
Be thorough. If you get it all now, you won't have to do it again. Just once will knock it out. No need for oils, steroids, antibiotics, or any other over-the-top treatment.
Although, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have your child (if not an infant) eating lots of healthy probiotic foods on a regular basis.
A toothbrush!?! That's brilliant. We're beyond the cradle cap phase here (I think), but we used to rub a little olive oil onto the offending spot. It worked beautifully!
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