A baby’s delicate and soft scalp can easily get irritated or dry, and thus, dry scalp in babies is pretty common. Although a dry scalp looks similar to cradle cap, it is slightly different, and cradle cap is often the underlying cause for a dry scalp with white flakes. Dry scalp in babies can be treated with some home-care tips, whereas severe cradle cap may require medical attention. So, how do you know if it is a dry scalp or cradle cap? And how do you manage it in babies?
Read this post as we give you the answers to these questions and tell you some effective home remedies to prevent dry scalp in babies.
Difference Between Dry Scalp And Cradle Cap
Dry scalp is often confused with cradle cap as both have similar symptoms and a common root cause — dry skin. However, both of these are different conditions and need different treatments. Have a look at the table below to understand the difference between dry scalp and cradle cap.
| Dry Scalp | Cradle Cap (seborrheic dermatitis) |
| Dry, flaky skin on the scalp | Starts with flaky skin and turns into rough, crusty bumps |
| Skin on the scalp appears reddish or yellowish and feels scaly to touch | Skin feels rough and crusty and small bumps protrude from the skin |
| Skin feels dry to touch | Skin feels oily to touch |
| May cause itching | Usually not painful or itchy |
| Not hereditary | Could be hereditary (1) |
Symptoms Of Dry Scalp In Babies
One of the most prominent signs of dry scalp is white flakes on the head. Other signs include
- Scaly skin that may peel off
- Reddish or yellowish coloration on the skin
- Itching
- Flaky skin that appears as patches in some places on the head
What Causes Dry Scalp In Babies?
Various conditions can cause dry scalp in babies. The following are some of the common causes of dry scalp in babies.
- Harsh weather conditions
Exposure to extreme hot/ cold temperatures or harsh winds can cause the natural oils on your baby’s head to dry up and lead to a dry scalp.
- Sunburn
Sunburn on the head can also cause scaling and peeling of the skin, which are common signs of dry scalp.
- Long hot-water baths
Giving your child long baths with hot water can strip away the essential oils from the scalp, making it dry and scaly.
- Shampoos with harsh chemicals
Using shampoos that are too strong for your baby’s skin or failing to rinse your baby’s head thoroughly after shampooing may also cause dry scalp.
- Presence of maternal hormones
The presence of maternal hormones in the child’s body after birth can cause excess oil production in the glands and lead to a dry scalp.
- Other common causes include yeast infections, dandruff, and scalp eczema (2) (3).
Treatment For Dry Scalp In Babies
Dry scalp is a common condition in babies. If your doctor has ruled out skin conditions, such as eczema, dry scalp can be treated with a few home remedies. If the condition doesn’t subside, your child’s doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication, anti-dandruff shampoo, or mild corticosteroid cream.
Ways To Take Care of Your Baby’s Dry Scalp
- If your baby has a dry, flaky scalp, it is best to avoid washing their hair too often. Shampooing helps remove dirt from the hair, but it also strips away the essential oils from the scalp, making it dry and flaky. So, it is best to wash your baby’s hair twice a week.
- Always use mild baby shampoos that do not contain harsh chemicals. Read the labels carefully and avoid products containing sulfates and parabens, as these are known to strip the hair of moisture, making it dry and frizzy.
- If your baby’s dry scalp is due to dandruff or if they have a cradle cap, consult your pediatrician and use an anti-dandruff shampoo that might help fight dandruff or any scalp infection.
- The key to treating dry scalp is to keep it moisturized. Mineral oils might help provide the needed moisture to the scalp. Apply olive oil to your child’s scalp and massage it gently. Next, take a soft hairbrush and brush off the flakes. Leave the oil on the scalp for ten minutes, and then rinse it with a mild shampoo. Repeat this once or twice a week based on the intensity of the condition.
- Always cover your baby’s head with a cap or a scarf when outdoors.
Home Remedies For Dry Scalp In Babies
You can also try some home remedies to reduce dry scalp in babies. As some of these home remedies lack scientific backing, it is best to consult your pediatrician before trying them out.
1. Coconut oil
Studies have found that coconut oil is safe and effective in treating dry skin. So, you may use it to reduce the dryness of the scalp (4). Apply coconut oil on your baby’s scalp and brush off the flakes and dead skin. Next, rinse your baby’s scalp with a mild shampoo.
2. Tea tree oil
A study published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews states that tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that may help treat dandruff and yeast infections, which cause dryness of the scalp (5). However, tea tree oil is one of the stronger oils, so it is advised to avoid using it for babies below six months.
For application on older infants, it is best to dilute it with a carrier oil, such as almond or coconut oil, and do a patch test to check for allergies before applying it.
3. Aloe vera gel
If the dry scalp has led to itching and inflammation, you can use aloe vera gel. Research states that aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties and might help in reducing itching.
Apply aloe vera gel on your baby’s scalp, let it sit for five minutes, and rinse it off with a mild shampoo. Continue this until you see any improvement (6).
4. Banana
Studies suggest that banana helps moisturize the scalp and prevents dryness. It also improves manageability and shine and controls dandruff.
Mash some banana and apply the mixture on your baby’s head, let it sit for five minutes, and rinse it off with a mild shampoo (7).
Remember to rinse off the products from the scalp thoroughly, as residues and oils from these products can increase the scalp’s dryness.
When To See A Doctor?
Depending on the condition, dryness of the scalp can last for several weeks. If you do not see any improvement even after trying the home remedies, or if you find inflammation or redness on your baby’s scalp, seek your doctor’s advice. They may prescribe prescription-strength shampoos and steroid creams.
Dry scalp is a mild and common condition in babies. It generally worsens during winters. Follow a hair care routine and try home remedies to prevent dry scalp in your baby. If the dryness on your baby’s scalp increases or appears inflamed, contact your baby’s doctor.