Can Babies Get Eczema On Their Scalp

September 19, 2022

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Dry Scalp Or Cradle Cap: What’s The Difference

How To| Eczema in Scalp for Toddler, No More Suffering |NATURAL HAIR

Babies have soft, delicate skin. This means your babys skin is easily irritated and prone to dryness, including the skin on their head and scalp. If your little one has flaky skin on their head, youre probably wondering if its a sign of dry scalp or cradle cap.

Its not uncommon for a baby to develop one or both of these conditions. But how are they different? And, more importantly, how can you care for your little one when they have baby dry scalp or cradle cap?

In this post, the baby experts at Mustela will answer both of these questions and more.

How Reducing Indoor Allergens Can Ease Your Eczema Symptoms

Eczema usually isnt a persistent condition, but rather one marked by long symptom-free periods followed by flare-ups.

Various environmental factors may cause the immune system to respond as if the body has encountered a harmful substance, resulting in inflammation and worsening eczema symptoms.

Pet dander, pollen, mold, and dust mites
Allergenic foods
Clothing made of wool or synthetic fibers
Cigarette smoke

Theres no cure for baby eczema, but the condition usually becomes less severe over time.

Treatment focuses on managing skin dryness to prevent flare-ups and on reducing skin inflammation.

What Does Baby Eczema Look Like

Eczema often appears on the face and scalp in infants under 6 months old. The rash will usually be red and it may bubble up, ooze fluid, then crust over. Older babies may develop eczema on their elbows and knees.

Eczema usually does not occur in the diaper area because the skin stays too moist. Rashes in this area are more likely diaper rash.

The itchiness of eczema can make an infant very uncomfortable. A baby cannot tell a caregiver what is wrong, but their behavior may hint that eczema is causing them discomfort.

Signs to look for include:

Trouble sleeping

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What Are The Symptoms Of Seborrheic Dermatitis In Children

Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis appears on the infants face, especially around the eyes and nose area. It can also appear in the diaper area and in the folds of babies skin.

Seborrheic dermatitis in infants typically goes away at ages 6 to 12 months. Dandruff usually persists into adulthood.

In infants and children, seborrheic dermatitis can appear on the scalp or body as:

A severe case of seborrheic dermatitis in an infant. Note the yellowish crust and scale.

Red skin with white or yellow flakes on top
Pink patches that join with the red skin
Swollen areas of skin

For the most part, babies are unbothered by the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. For more severe cases, it is important to be on the lookout for any signs of infection such as skin that feels hot, weeps fluid or smells bad. Contact your health care provider if you suspect your child has an infection.

Can Infantile Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Become Infected

Mild infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis is unlikely to become infected if the skin remains intact. However, if the skin becomes sore and raw, especially in the nappy area, it may then become infected by a yeast called Candida, which normally lives on the skin in this part of the body and can cause thrush. Special creams are available to treat this if your doctor thinks they are necessary. Sometimes seborrhoeic dermatitis can become infected by bacteria if areas of skin, particularly the creases, are severely affected. If your babys skin feels hot, smells odd or weeps, consult your GP.

Read Also: Eczema On Fingers How To Treat

When Should I Take My Child To The Doctor For Their Eczema

If you think your child might have eczema, make an appointment with your pediatrician. A trained eye can tell the difference between eczema and other skin conditions.

Speak to your childs doctor right away if skin appears infected , if the eczema seems painful and blistered, or if itâs preventing your child from sleeping or is just generally making them miserable.

Tips For Treating Eczema On The Scalp

Eczema cannot be completely cured, but there are a few things that you can do that will help you to manage your symptoms, such as the itchiness and scaliness, and improve your quality of life while living with eczema.

There are treatment methods like creams, gels, and shampoos that can help lessen flare-ups and symptoms. The shampoos that are most effective at combatting scalp eczema usually contain ingredients like salicylic acid, coal tar, ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, or selenium sulfide.

If your eczema is a more mild case, then sometimes sprays, ointments, or antifungal creams can work well to resolve the majority of the issues.

If your case is more severe, then you may try a mild corticosteroid to help calm any inflammation. Your doctor may even prescribe you some topical steroids. Topical steroids tend to help active flare-ups that are itchy, flaking, and red, however, they are not good for long-term use.

If you need something more long-term for your eczema, then your doctor may prescribe you an oral antifungal medicine or a topical drug called calcineurin inhibitors. Calcineurin inhibitors can be used longer than corticosteroids, and they work by suppressing the immune system.

There are a lot of different things that can help if you suffer from scalp eczema. Some people even use natural treatment methods to help their symptoms such as olive oil, aloe vera, and tea tree oil.

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In Babies: Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is seborrheic dermatitis that commonly develops in babies between 2 weeks and 12 months. You might notice red or dark, scaly or crusty yellow patches on their scalp. Or it could start in the face or diaper area and spread elsewhere. Itâs usually not serious and often goes away on its own in a few weeks. Talk to your doctor if symptoms worsen or lead to other problems like infection.

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What Is Seborrheic Dermatitis

How can I help my baby with eczema?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, noncontagious, easy-to-manage skin condition. This type of dermatitis causes itchy red patches and greasy scales on your skin along with white or yellow crusty or powdery flakes on your scalp.

Seborrheic refers to the sebaceous glands while derm means skin. Its called dandruff when its on a teenagers or adults scalp, and cradle cap when its on a babys.

Seborrheic dermatitis can occur in other areas of your body. These are areas with the most sebaceous gland activity: your upper back and chest, face/forehead, the creases at the base of your nose, behind your ears, navel , eyebrows, under your breasts and in the creases/bends of your arms, legs and groin.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a lifelong condition that appears, disappears with treatment, and flares up from time to time.

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Living With Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is considered chronic. Also, it is a life-long condition. It comes and goes, and it can be controlled with treatment. The negative effects of living with the condition are additional fungal infections and emotional distress. Most people who live with seborrheic dermatitis feel embarrassed and have low self-esteem.

What Triggers My Childs Eczema Or Causes It To Get Worse

Some of the most common eczema triggers include:

Even your babys stuffed animals may be a trigger for eczema

Allergens such as pet dander, pollen or dust

Your childs eczema may be worse in the winter when the air is dry. Saliva from drooling can also cause irritation on your babys cheeks, chin and neck.

The best way to manage your childs eczema is by getting to know their symptoms and triggers so that you can help keep it under control.

Read Also: Does Aloe Vera Help Eczema

How Do You Treat Eczema On A Babys Head

Warm water and a mild cleanser is all you need to clean. After a bath of no more than 15 minutes, rinse completely, gently pat your babys skin dry, and apply a fragrance-free cream or ointment that wont hurt your babys skin. At diaper changes, you might want to moisturize at least two times a day.

How Do I Know If I Have Atopic Dermatitis On My Scalp

Morgan Bishop, 5, with severe eczema says

If you or your child have red, itchy skin on your head and already experience Atopic Dermatitis on other areas of your body then it is likely that the symptoms on your scalp are linked. Atopic Dermatitis is especially common in babies and children but many adults have it too. You can find out more in Atopic Dermatitis and babies, Atopic Dermatitis and children and Atopic Dermatitis and adults.

If you or your child do not have Atopic Dermatitis, then there are several other types of Dermatitis that are also common on the scalp and which present similar symptoms. These include:

Seborrheic Dermatitis

A common condition in babies where it is known as Cradle Cap. Thought by many scientist to be a type of fungal infection typical symptoms are thick, crusty, yellowish flakes of skin on the infants scalp, though it can also appear on the eyes and nose. Unlike Atopic Dermatitis, It is rarely itchy. Most children grow out of it as they get older and are normally symptom free by the age of three. You can find out more about Seborrheic Dermatitis in general here.

Dandruff

Seborrheic Dermatitis is thought to be the underlying causes of dandruff in adults. There are two different types: greasy dandruff and dry dandruff . As with Atopic Dermatitis, skin often itchy and looks red. Dry dandruff is much more common in adults than children with up to 50% of the adult population suffering for it at some time. Read more about it in Dandruff.

Also Check: What Is Eczema Skin Rash

Which Is The Best Emollient For My Baby

Emollients treat dry skin by providing a surface film of oils. This increases water in the upper layer of the skin, restoring and providing a robust skin barrier, to prevent the entry of environmental agents or triggers.

Emollients soften the skin and reduce itch. If they are used regularly to maintain skin hydration, they can reduce the frequency of eczema flares. Leave-on emollients include lotions, creams,ointments and gels.

The emollient advised or prescribed for your baby should prevent dry skin and not cause irritation. You might need to try several products until you find the right one. Apply leave-on emollients regularly, throughout the day for example, at every nappy change and after bathing.

Use the product liberally . To apply the product, dot it all over the skin, and then smooth it in, using a gentle, downward, stroking motion rather than rubbing in.

What Can Make It Worse

Each baby is different. But there are some common eczema triggers to avoid, including:

Dry skin. It can make a baby’s skin itchier. Low humidity, especially during winter when homes are well-heated and the air is dry, is a cause.

Irritants. Think scratchy wool clothes, polyester, perfumes, body soaps, and laundry soaps. These can all trigger symptoms.

Stress. Children with eczema may react to stress by flushing. That can lead to itchy, irritated skin. And that, in turn, ramps up their eczema symptoms.

Heat and sweat. Both can make the itch of infant eczema worse.

Allergens. Itâs not certain, but some experts believe that removing cowâs milk, peanuts, eggs, or certain fruits from a childâs food may help control eczema symptoms. Remember that your baby can get exposed to these foods if their mother eats them before they breastfeed. Find out the connection between food and eczema flares.

Recommended Reading: Why Does Eczema Itch So Bad

What Is Scalp Eczema

Scalp Eczema is a more specific type of eczema that affects the scalp. It causes your scalp to become itchy, dry, and inflamed which can be very uncomfortable for the person experiencing these symptoms. The most common type of scalp eczema is seborrheic dermatitis. Its a most visible symptom is dandruff. In conjunction, those who suffer from this form of eczema may also have redness, scaly patches, swelling, itchiness, and burning in the affected areas of the scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis normally begins to develop during puberty or during adulthood. If these symptoms are seen in infants, it is genuinely referred to as cradle cap. Luckily, most cases of cradle cap tend to dissipate by the time the infant is one year old.

Symptoms Of Atopic Eczema

SCALP ECZEMA & ITCHY SCALP Q& A WITH DERMATOLOGIST DR DRAY

Atopic eczema causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked and sore.

Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body.

Inflamed skin can become red on lighter skin, and darker brown, purple or grey on darker skin. This can also be more difficult to see on darker skin.

Although atopic eczema can affect any part of the body, it most often affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children.

People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe .

Recommended Reading: Start Of Eczema In Babies

When To See A Doctor Or Healthcare Provider

Scalp eczema may be chronic, but patients can successfully manage symptoms with the proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

If your condition is disrupting your life or causing you to be uncomfortable, embarrassed, or anxious, call your primary care provider or a provider specializing in skin conditions and make an appointment to be evaluated.

If your scalp begins to display red streaks, ooze pus, or crust over, that may be a sign of an infection that requires immediate medical intervention to address.

Also, if you have itchy skin and begin to develop a fever, tightness in your chest, cough, wheeze, begin to lose your voice, or have swelling or tingling in your face, tongue, lips, or throat, you are experiencing a medical emergency.

What Else Should I Know

Sometimes seborrheic dermatitis in the diaper area or skin folds can get infected. Talk to your doctor if the rash gets worse or there are any signs of infection .

Cradle cap and seborrheic dermatitis in infants usually get better by 12 months of age. Seborrhea may come back around puberty as dandruff.

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Could Eczema Drug Restore Hair Lost To Alopecia

HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 10, 2018 A 13-year-old girl who has been without hair on her scalp since the age of 2 has seen significant regrowth ever since taking a drug meant to help ease her eczema, doctors say.

Dr. Maryanne Makredes Senna of Massachusetts General Hospital and her colleagues in the department of dermatology were quite surprised at the girls hair regrowth, because other treatments that can helpwith hair loss did not in her case.

The unnamed girl has alopecia totalis a total lack of scalp hair along with eczema, and was receiving weekly injections of the drug dupilumab to treat her eczema.

After six weeks of treatment, very fine hairs began to appear on the girls scalp, and by seven months of treatment she had significant hair regrowth, according to the case study published Oct. 10 in JAMA Dermatology.

As far as we know, this is the first report of hair regrowth with dupilumab in a patient with any degree of alopecia areata, Senna said in a hospital news release.

The hair growth seems tied to the drug. According to the doctors, when the girl had to stop taking dupilumab for two months due to a change in her insurance coverage, her newly regrown hair started to fall out. But when she started the drug treatment again, the hair growth resumed.

Weve submitted a proposal for a clinical trial using dupilumab in this patient population and hope to be able to investigate it further in the near future, Senna said.

Atopic Dermatitis On The Scalp The Causes Symptoms And How Best To Calm And Care For Skin

Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin disease which can flare-up on the scalp and in the hairline. This article explains how to recognize if you or your child have Atopic Dermatitis versus other common scalp conditions. We look at the possible causes and triggers and make suggestions about how to care for atopic skin on the scalp.

How do I know if I have Atopic Dermatitis on my scalp?