Infant seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis in infants, commonly known as baby dermatitis or “ cradle cap ", is a common skin condition: 70% of children under 3 months of age and 10% of children under 5 years of age are affected ⁽¹⁾. It can appear as early as the 3^rd or 4^th week of life.
Does it only affect the scalp? Are there any other symptoms to look out for? What can be done about it? Find the answers in this article.

Areas affected by infant seborrheic dermatitis

Although cradle cap on the scalp is the most common form of seborrheic dermatitis in babies, there are actually three main types:

• Scalp dermatitis, more commonly known as cradle cap: this is the most common form of baby seborrheic dermatitis. 
• Diaper rash. 
• Dermatitis of skin fold lesions. 

How can seborrheic dermatitis be prevented in babies?

Preventing seborrheic dermatitis in babies is difficult because its onset is linked to the presence of maternal hormones in the infant's body. These hormones, transmitted by the mother, are still present after birth. They activate the baby's sebaceous glands, increasing sebum production. This excess sebum creates a favourable environment for the proliferation of Malassezia yeast, leading to the formation of thick, yellowish crusts on the baby's scalp, commonly known as cradle cap. 

Fortunately, nature has its way of doing things. Balance is restored naturally, and cradle cap generally disappears on its own around the age of 5 or 6 months. Cradle cap is not caused by the baby's diet, nor by a lack of hygiene. It is simply a natural response to maternal hormones.

Symptoms of baby seborrheic dermatitis

Although the symptoms of infant seborrheic dermatitis can be worrying for parents, it is reassuring to know that this condition is benign and causes no discomfort for the baby.
Contrary to what you might think, cradle cap is neither itchy nor painful.

In addition to the diaper area, similar redness can also be seen in other folds of the body, such as the armpits (axillary folds), neck (cervical folds), and sometimes even the folds of the elbows and knees. These areas are particularly sensitive because they are often more moist, which can encourage the appearance of redness.

Infant seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap): what to do?

Infant seborrheic dermatitis, better known as cradle cap, is caused by excessive sebum production (hyperseborrhoea) and the proliferation of a yeast of the genus Malassezia. This yeast is the same as the one involved in seborrheic dermatitis in adults.

Infant seborrheic dermatitis is not a serious condition; it causes no discomfort or itching and disappears spontaneously after a few weeks. Nevertheless, the unsightly and unattractive appearance of this condition can be distressing and unpleasant for parents.

To help get rid of persistent cradle cap, you can use gentle shampoos or treatment products specially designed for babies, available from chemists or drugstores. Their role is to soften the scabs so that they can be lifted from the hair more easily, thanks to both the gentle massage during application and the active ingredients in the formula.

Advice for parents and treatment

First of all, it is essential to consult a paediatrician to confirm the diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis in infants, as cradle cap can sometimes be confused with atopic eczema. 
The paediatrician will also be able to make sure that the cradle caps resolve properly over time.

Here are a few recommendations for taking good care of your baby's scalp:

• Above all, avoid pulling or scratching the cradle cap, either with your fingernails or dry, to avoid injuring your baby's scalp.
• Daily, for at least two weeks:
  • Apply a cream or emulsion specifically developed for babies' sebo-squamous skin, formulated with gentle moisturising and keratolytic active ingredients. Gently massage the scalp to saturate the cradle cap and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes. This treatment helps to soften the scabs so that they peel off more easily. 
  • Then wash hair with a mild, frequent-use shampoo and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
  • Then use a soft bristle brush to gently remove the softened scabs. 

In the event of cradle cap or skin fold dermatitis, cleanse the skin with a lipid-enriched cleanser, formulated for infants, to soothe irritation. If flakes are visible, apply a gentle moisturising and keratolytic treatment to remove them more quickly.