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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Cradle Cap explained

Cradle cap is a skin condition that makes the affected area full of yellowish scales, which are crusty, oily and greasy. This condition is not detrimental for the baby, as it is due to the non settled activity of the sebaceous glands. Once the glands start functioning properly, this condition will fade away itself. All it needs is thorough care of the child during the suffering. However, the condition often does not cause any severe irritation to the baby but it definitely looks harsh.

Cradle Cap, why?

The reason behind cradle cap has not been discovered yet. This is probably because the disease is not harmful and vanishes automatically in course of time even without any serious medical treatment.

However, the little research made to find out the causes behind cradle cap came out with different results. Some of the specialists opine that it is caused by the sebaceous glands in the skin of the baby. The reason why these glands are responsible is that the mother's hormones still work in the baby's circulation and the glands release a greasy substance.

Cradle Cap remedies

Use of oil is one important remedy prescribed for treating cradle cap. The method is to apply oils, vegetable or chemical, on the affected area and leave for a few hours. Then the scales should be removed with something soft. Like this method, the other kind of homely remedies prescribed for cradle cap are also somehow risky. The case of shampoo can be taken as an example. What is suggested is that mild shampoo should be mixed with water in a good proportion and applied to wash the affected area.

CONCLUSION

The neonatal disease known as cradle cap can occur in any part of the body. However, the places where it occurs very often are the scalp, the rear side of the ears, the eyebrows and the eyelids. Since it is a harmless disease, it is not necessary to take up any serious treatment to cure the skin condition. The main aim should be to manage it well. In this regard, different methods can be used to manage it different parts of the body.