Dandruff In Babies – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Babies have delicate skin and scalp when they are born. Dandruff in babies is not a rare condition and can stay for about a year. Dyring this period, if your little one scratches their hair or rub their head against your shoulder when you carry them and if you notice flakes or dandruff on their scalp, it can be worrrisome

What Is Dandruff?

Basically, dandruff is visible in the form of white tiny flakes that are mainly deposited on the scalp (it may as well appear on eyebrows or eyelids). It usually starts with the scaling of the skin on the scalp. It is a mild form of skin issue called seborrhea dermatitis. Though it is a minor issue, it can cause severe itchiness on the scalp and redness in the affected area. If not handled the right way, it can also lead to hair fall.

What Causes Dandruff In Babies?

In babies, dandruff appears because of many reasons. Some of them are:

1. Overgrowth Of Fungus

Excessive growth of the fungus Malassezia can lead to excessive shedding of dead cells. This, when mixed with the sebum or skin oil (produced by the hair follicles), results in dandruff.

2. Too Much Shampoo

Using too much shampoo too often on the scalp washes off the natural oil from the scalp and makes it dry. Also, using chemical-based products can result in a condition called contact dermatitis. If it occurs on the scalp, it can trigger dandruff formation.

3. Skin Disorders

Skin disorders like eczema can cause scaly, dry, and cracked skin triggering dandruff issues.

4. Not Shampooing Often

If the skin of the scalp is not hygienically maintained, and if dirt, sweat, and dead cells accumulate on the scalp, it can lead to dandruff formation.

5. Exposure To Extreme Heat

Over-exposure to the sunlight (without covering the head with a cap or hat) adversely affects the skin on the scalp. This can trigger dandruff.

6. Excessive Oil Production

The overactive sebaceous gland produces more skin oil, or sebum, and results in dandruff formation.

7. Atmospheric Issue

Just like the extreme heat, atmospheric changes, like the winter season, affect the skin condition of the baby. The skin of the baby tends to become dry in winter. As the skin on the head is comparatively tender, it is adversely affected. The cold, dry, winter air may cause dry and white flakes on the scalp.

Symptoms Of Dandruff In Babies

Severe itching and the appearance of white flakes are the primary signs of dandruff. The skin of the forehead, face, and eyebrows tend to be dry. Temporary hair fall is another sign.

How To Get Rid Of Dandruff In Babies?

There are several ways to manage dandruff in babies. Maintaining the pH balance of the scalp is very important when it comes to dandruff treatment.

1. Brush And Shampoo

With a soft-bristled baby hairbrush, dry brush your baby’s hair. This will help to remove the dead skin flakes. After brushing the hair and removing the flakes, wash your baby’s hair with a mild shampoo. Mild dandruff attacks can be resolved by this simple step.

2. Use Medicated Shampoo

If mild baby shampoo is not working then there may be a need to use medicated anti-dandruff baby shampoo on your baby’s scalp Depending on the severity, your doctor may advise to use it daily, alternate days, twice a week, or once a week. In the meantime, continue shampooing your baby’s scalp with mild baby shampoo during the days you are not using medicated shampoo.

3. Don’t Use Conditioner

Never ever, use conditioner on baby’s hair. It will damage the texture of both hair and scalp

4. Scalp Smoothening

You should also take some measures to soothe the irritated scalp and prevent dandruff from reappearing.

Here are 2 natural ways to smoothen the baby’s scalp:

a. Aloe Vera

Use fresh Aloe Vera leaf for this. After peeling the skin, scrape the gel part out of the leaf. Juice it. After brushing off the dead cells, apply Aloe Vera juice to your baby’s scalp. After 10 to 15 minutes, wash it with lukewarm water.

b. Coconut Oil

With its antifungal properties, coconut oil is an excellent choice for treating and preventing dandruff. Apply it every day, leave it for a minimum ½ an hour and then wash it off with a mild shampoo.

c. Rinse well

While washing your baby’s hair, always rinse well, so that the flakes wash out completely. Both over-washing and not rinsing the hair properly can lead to dandruff

When Should I Seek Medical Attention For Baby’s Dandruff?

Dandruff that causes yellowish or white flaky skin is not unsafe or contagious but can be unappealing and itchy. Although dandruff is easily manageable at home with simple remedies, if it is not showing any signs of subsiding or improving, and if the hair fall is noticeably high, it is better to seek help from a pediatric dermatologist.

They will prescribe some anti-fungal cream or lotion to apply to the scalp, which will help to get rid of dandruff and prevent it from reappearing. The doctor may also rule out other issues like psoriasis, eczema, cradle cap, or any other fungal infection that can cause an itchy and scaly scalp.

Top 5 Home Remedies For Dandruff In Babies

Natural solutions are particularly effective in treating dandruff in children. If you’re seeking chemical-free solutions to this issue, here are five suggestions:

1. Olive Oil And Lemon Juice

Lemon is an excellent natural exfoliant. It has the ability to exfoliate dead skin cells and minimize flakes on the scalp. Combine some lemon juice and water. Massage it into your baby’s scalp and keep it on for a few minutes. Then, using a gentle shampoo, wash it off.

Lemon juice should be used just once or twice a week. Using it too regularly might cause dryness and strip the scalp’s natural oils.

On other days, you might use olive oil to moisturize the baby’s scalp. Olive oil is used to treat a variety of hair and scalp concerns. It is widely accessible, simple to use, and quite effective. Apply olive oil to your baby’s scalp 20 minutes before shampooing. Use a mild shampoo to rinse it off. Olive oil hydrates the scalp and aids in the synthesis of natural oils, preventing dandruff. Cold pressed virgin olive oil is the finest alternative since it is natural and soft on the child’s scalp.

2. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds have a cooling impact on the scalp and may relieve itching. These seeds also have antifungal effects. Soak a few fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Then blend them into a paste. To make the therapy more successful, combine the paste with plain yogurt.

Apply the mixture to the child’s scalp. Allow it to seep into the scalp for a few hours. Rinse it off with a gentle shampoo. When washing off this substance, use lukewarm water.

3. Butter

Butter is particularly effective in moisturizing the scalp and hair. This makes it one of the most effective dandruff remedies. Butter is effective for all types of hair and may eliminate dry flakes from the first application. All you have to do is massage some unsalted butter into the child’s head.

Allow it to sit for approximately an hour. Rinse well with a gentle shampoo and repeat once a week for dandruff-free, silky hair.

4. Eggs

Eggs have long been used as a treatment for dry hair and scalp, which is a significant cause of dandruff. It also benefits your baby’s hair’s health. After gently hydrating the baby’s hair and scalp, apply a well-beaten egg to it. Allow it to sit for a few moments. After washing the hair with cold water, rinse it with warm water.

5. Neem

Neem is one of the oldest skin-care medicines. It has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. If your child’s dandruff is caused by a fungal infection of the scalp, neem is a surefire cure. Boil a few neem leaves in coconut oil.

Allow the residue to settle on the child’s scalp. While neem attacks the illness, coconut oil hydrates the hair and scalp, preventing dandruff.

Remember, you are in charge of your little one having a healthy scalp. So take care!

FAQ’s

1. What’s The Difference Between Cradle Cap And Dandruff?

Cradle cap and dandruff are not the same. Dandruff may be caused by a dry scalp, excessive sebum production, or fungal infection. A cradle cap is a kind of seborrheic dermatitis that only affects babies and newborns. While cradle cap disappears on their own, dandruff requires treatment in infants.

2. How Often Should You Wash Baby Hair?

You do not have to wash your baby’s hair every day. Because your baby’s hair generates relatively little oil, washing it once or twice a week is sufficient.

3. Does Baby Shampoo Help With Dandruff?

No. Baby shampoos are formulated just to wash the baby’s hair without harsh chemicals that could enter their eyes. it does have a formulation of anti-dandruff Shampoo.