Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Using homemade methods
• Method 2 of 3: Applying Proven Medicines
• Method 3 of 3: Measures to Prevent Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Tips
• Warnings

Scabs on the scalp, medically known as seborrheic dermatitis of the newborn, are common in infants and appear as hard, flaky scales on the baby's head. They usually go away on their own within a few weeks, but sometimes they do not go away and need treatment. We will tell you how to get rid of seborrheic dermatitis at home and when to see your doctor.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Using homemade methods

1. 1 Remove the scales with your hands. The baby's head will not be damaged if you remove the scales with your hands. This is the easiest and one of the most effective ways to get rid of the crusts and dry scales that appear on the child's head with seborrheic dermatitis.
   • Rub the crusts with your fingers, then gently peel or scrape off the flakes of dead skin and discard.
   • If you do not want to remove the crust with your hands, wear thin latex gloves (only if your child is not allergic to latex). You can also wrap your hands in plastic wrap if you don't want to touch the crusts with your hands. Remember that seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious and that your baby will be much more comfortable after removing the scabs from their scalp.
   • Do not use tweezers or other sharp instruments to remove the scales, as you could accidentally prick the baby's head and cause injury.
2. 2 Wash your baby's hair every day. Wash your baby's head with warm water while gently massaging the scalp. The water will soften the crusts on your baby's head and will help you remove or scrape them off with your hands.
   • Using a gentle baby shampoo can help peel off the crusts, so consider using a baby shampoo for bathing your baby. However, you may notice that the shampoo dries out the skin on the baby's scalp.
   • Use a soft bristled comb to remove scabs when your baby's head is still wet.
3. 3 Use butter and jelly. Sometimes the scales that occur with seborrheic dermatitis need to be lubricated to help them flake off.Lubricate dry areas with baby oil or petroleum jelly, wait 15 minutes until the crusts on the baby's head soften and remove them.
   • Olive oil and vegetable oil are also great for crusting.
   • When done, use shampoo and warm water to wash off the oil. Residual oil can make the problem worse by increasing the number of crusts on the baby's scalp.

Method 2 of 3: Applying Proven Medicines

1. 1 Use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo. If the crusts reappear a few days after you remove them, consider using the medicated shampoo several times a week. Anti-dandruff shampoo contains tar to reduce flaking and help protect the skin from drying out.
   • Shampoos containing the antifungal drugs ketoconazole or 1 percent selenium sulfide can also be used to treat seborrheic dermatitis.
   • Anti-dandruff shampoos that contain salicylic acid are not recommended for babies as this ingredient can be harmful to children and easily penetrates the skin.
   • Talk to your doctor before using medicated shampoo to wash your child's hair. The doctor will advise you on which shampoo to choose or write a prescription for a shampoo that is right for your child.
2. 2 Consider using Hydrocortisone cream. If the skin on your baby's scalp is inflamed, red, or itchy, Hydrocortisone cream, which is also used to treat rashes or insect bites, may help relieve symptoms. Talk to your doctor before using Hydrocortisone Cream, available without a doctor's prescription.

Method 3 of 3: Measures to Prevent Seborrheic Dermatitis

1. 1 Humidify the air in your home. Children with seborrheic dermatitis often have other symptoms associated with dry, sensitive skin. Place a humidifier in the baby's room to maintain the correct humidity level, which will protect the baby's skin from drying out.
2. 2 Moisturize baby's scalp after bathing. Applying a moisturizer to your scalp that is slightly damp and warm after bathing will help protect your scalp from drying out and flaking. Use a lotion or ointment specially formulated for the sensitive skin of babies.
3. 3 Think about what your child is eating. In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis is a symptom of an allergy to infant formula. If, in addition to crusts on the scalp, symptoms such as red spots on the baby's face, diarrhea, or other allergy symptoms are present, talk to your doctor about changing the formula to one that is more suitable for your child.

Tips

• The special comb for babies is extremely effective in removing scalp from the scalp. These combs are very soft and can be purchased from the children's section of many stores.
• Avoid getting water in your child's eyes when bathing. This will make the bathing process much more pleasant for the baby.

Warnings

• Try not to press too hard on the soft fontanelle on the baby's head.
• Treat your baby very gently.
• Make sure the water is warm, not hot. You can try the water with your elbow: if the water feels hot with your elbow, then it will be hot for the baby too.