Cradle cap mainly affects the scalp of infants. The treatment of these crusts is based on cleansing measures and the use of specific care products.
Among the products on offer in pharmacies, there are two types of shampoos: gentle shampoos designed for newborns for daily cleansing without specific action and treatment shampoos.
Summary
Gentle shampoos, known as soap-free, enable adapted cleansing measures to prevent the appearance of cradle cap or as a follow-up or complement to treating products.
Babies’ skin is thinner and more fragile than that of adults, which is why it is important to use gentle and respectful care products. A gentle soap-free shampoo has a pH close to the physiological pH of the skin, preserves the balance of the microbiome and does not cause dehydration.
The name soap-free, contrary to what the name indicates, does not mean that it does not wash, just that it contains fewer surfactants (ingredients responsible for removing dirt but also aggressive to the skin) than other soaps. It is also possible that a care product produces little foam, but just because it doesn't foam doesn't mean that it doesn't wash!
This type of shampoo is to be used to rinse the product treating cradle cap.
When the condition is established, there are treatments to fight against cradle cap. These are specific treatments that promote the gentle removal of crusts.
They are both hydrating, to soften the crusts before their elimination, and keratolytic, i.e. they contain one or more active ingredients that promote the elimination of scales.
Some are applied in the evening at bedtime, then washed and rinsed the next day with a gentle shampoo. Others are applied several minutes before bathing with a massage, then washed and rinsed with a gentle shampoo. Gentle brushing after bathing then allows for the removal of crusts.
These specific products enable cradle cap to be treated in a few weeks. If this is not the case, ask your physician for advice and they will choose to apply another product to remove the cradle cap.
