Seborrheic dermatitis (seb derm), or cradle cap in babies, is a common skin problem that causes flaky, scaly, sometimes itchy patches, mostly on oily areas like the scalp, face, or chest. It can be annoying to deal with, and super uncomfortable for your child. Here are some simple, natural tips to help manage it:
1. Natural Oils & Remedies:
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has antifungal properties, so it can help with yeast overgrowth (Malassezia is the yeast connected to seb derm and cradle cap). Rub a little on the scalp to help reduce flakiness and itching.
Tea Tree Oil: This oil helps fight fungus. But be careful—it’s strong! Dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before using it on the skin or look for a shampoo with tea tree oil already in it.
Aloe Vera: Aloe is soothing and can calm down inflamed, red, or irritated skin. Plus, it’s super gentle on sensitive skin!
Key point: Coconut oil and tea tree oil can be used on the scalp to help with cradle cap, but avoid using them on your child’s body. To learn why you need to avoid them other than using them on the scalp, get my Free Guide: Ditch The Itch, where you’ll learn a ton more about other tips and tricks for what to use on your child’s skin, what else you need to avoid, and why.
2. Diet, Nutrition, & Gut health:
Eat Anti-inflammatory Foods: Since seb derm and cradle cap involve inflammation, an anti-inflammatory diet can help.
The Gut Is A Key Player For Skin Health: Resolving gut imbalances, using the right probiotics is important, and a gut healthy diet are key steps to take. Avoiding processed junk foods and excess added sugar can help lower inflammation and support healing, too, especially since yeast (like Malassezia) feeds on sugar.
3. Gentle Skin & Scalp Care:
Soft Scalp Brushing for Babies: If your baby has cradle cap, gently brushing the scalp with a soft baby brush can help loosen and remove the flakes. Pair it with a warm bath for extra softening.
Mild Shampoo: Use gentle, fragrance-free shampoos to avoid further irritating the scalp. Shampoos with zinc pyrithione or salicylic acid are good options for controlling flaking and scaling without being too harsh.
4. Manage Stress:
Relax: Stress can trigger or worsen skin problems, including seb derm and cradle cap. You might not think babies and kids can have stress, but they do. Taking time to de-stress with your little one can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
5. Other Lifestyle Tips:
Get Some Sunlight: Sunlight in moderation can help reduce symptoms by controlling yeast growth. Just don’t forget to protect your kid’s skin from too much sun exposure.
Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can strip your kid’s skin of its natural oils, making seb derm and cradle cap worse. Stick to warm, not hot, bathing and use a gentle cleanser to avoid drying out their skin. My Free Guide: Ditch The Itch, has tips for what to use in the bath for your little one, too.
6. SupplementS
The right supplements can help boost the immune system to lower inflammation, and improve skin health. Work with your practitioner to make sure what you use is appropriate for your child. You can also get my proven step-by-step roadmap along with supplements and dosing to build your child’s protocol, and appropriately support your child’s immune system, and their gut.
These natural strategies can make a big difference when dealing with seb derm and cradle cap, but if things get tough, don’t hesitate to get professional support!
Reference
Rupa Health. (2023). Integrative and complementary approaches to seborrheic dermatitis. Rupa Health. Retrieved from https://www.rupahealth.com/post/integrative-and-complementary-approaches-to-seborrheic-dermatitis. Accessed October 11, 2024.