Milk crusts in children on the head

Peeling crusts on the baby’s head are called “lullaby cap” and “lullaby cap”. They usually occur some time after the birth of the baby. The appearance of crusts on the head causes concern in parents. Together with experts, we will figure out what this phenomenon is, whether it is necessary to sound the alarm and start self-treatment.

What are milk crusts

From a medical point of view, small crusts are seborrheic dermatitis or gneiss. Appears in the first month of life. Usually crusts are noticeable on the scalp, sometimes on the auricles and face, especially on the eyebrows, less often on the neck, in the armpits and inguinal region. By themselves, milk crusts do not pose a danger. However, they can lead to secondary infection.

Causes of milk crusts in children on the head

There is no unequivocal answer why babies develop gneiss, neither from practicing doctors nor from scientists. 

Let’s consider different points of view.

Active work of the sebaceous glands

– The peak of the sebaceous glands falls on the neonatal period, – says pediatrician Elena Korneva. – And the largest human glands are localized on the head and upper body.

Let’s look at the essence of the processes laid down by evolution, and perhaps you will look at this phenomenon with different eyes.

The sebaceous glands in a child appear at the 13-16th week of embryonic development. Almost immediately, even in utero, they are included in the work, gradually increasing activity by the time of birth. The sebum secreted by these glands is the first substance that the fetus secretes, as well as the main component of the original lubricant needed to protect against the negative effects of amniotic fluid. 

Lubrication allows the child to go through the birth canal as less traumatically as possible. After the birth, the glands continue to work, protecting the baby from the possible consequences of meeting new, more aggressive environmental conditions.

The sebaceous glands work at their maximum for a couple of weeks after the birth of the baby. Gradually, during the first year of life, their activity comes to naught. The increased work of the glands manifests itself in the form of exfoliated scales soaked in lard, which form a characteristic “baby cap”.

Yeast-like mushrooms

It is believed that seborrheic dermatitis is supported by yeast-like fungi – Malassezia furtum. In the last stage of pregnancy, the baby receives maternal hormones that lead to the activation of the sebaceous glands. From this, a change in the composition of sebum occurs, the skin becomes a favorable environment for the colonization and reproduction of fungi. Some doctors believe that if you do not deal with childhood seborrhea from the very beginning, it will bother the child for several years.

Heredity

We get a lot from our parents. Modern research suggests that milk crusts may be the result of atopic dermatitis (1). So called skin diseases with a genetic predisposition. The disease, aggravated by heredity, usually begins to manifest itself in the first 6 months of a child’s life, after the introduction of complementary foods.

Features in the work of the immune system and intestines

Sometimes the “lullaby cap”, and especially the appearance of growth scales in other parts of the body – the armpits and popliteal cavities, indicates an allergic reaction of the body. As a rule, children with this diagnosis have reduced immunity (2). 

How to remove milk crusts in children on the head

The appearance of milk crusts worries parents so much that many begin to treat it on their own – actively comb out the scales, remove them with tweezers. Mechanical removal and other radical methods of struggle that are passed down from generation to generation, from grandmothers to young mothers, do not solve the problem and are harmful to children’s health (3).

– Another method of “struggle” from the series “we will create difficulties in order to heroically overcome them” is the application of Vaseline and other mineral oils to the head of the long-suffering crumbs. Washing petroleum jelly off hair and scalp requires strong detergents that can dry out baby’s delicate skin. Do not experiment with your child’s health. If the milk crusts are not very pronounced and do not bother the baby, leave them alone. Focus on the usual hygiene procedures for this age, during which gently remove only what goes away on its own, advises pediatrician Elena Korneva.

Modern methods

To get rid of milk crusts, pediatricians and pediatric dermatologists advise the use of special cosmetic products for the care of children in the first year of life. Modern children’s cosmetics have a softening, moisturizing and soothing effect.

– If the crusts do not allow you to sleep peacefully, buy a foam-cream from the crusts (shampoo-cream, etc.) with an exfoliating action that inspires your confidence in the brand and use it according to the attached instructions, recommends Elena Korneva.

The best remedies for milk crusts in children on the head

Healthy Food Near Me analyzed offers on the market in 2022 and, together with experts, compiled a mini-rating of the best cosmetics that help with milk crusts in children.

1. Cream Bioderma ABCderm Babysquam

The company, which manufactures cosmetics for the treatment and prevention of skin problems, has been known since the 1970s for its unique scientific developments. Malic acid ester eliminates milk crusts, while shea butter and glycerin nourish and moisturize the scalp. The cream is applied in a thin layer 30 minutes before bathing, and then washed off with a mild shampoo.

Advantages and disadvantages

Main characteristics

2. Little Green Baby cream for milk crusts

An exfoliating and cleansing formula specially formulated for the sensitive skin of babies. It contains shea butter, panthenol, vitamins B5 and E. Gentle baby cream softens, moisturizes and accelerates regeneration processes.

Advantages and disadvantages

Main characteristics

3. Cream Uriage from milk crusts

Children’s cosmetics are made on the basis of patented complexes, under the supervision of dermatologists and pharmacists. The cream contains Uriage thermal water from the Alps and cleansing ingredients specially selected for children. The cream is applied to the scalp before going to bed, gently massaged, and washed off with baby shampoo in the morning.

Advantages and disadvantages

Main characteristics

4. Shampoo-foam Mustela for newborns

French cosmetics for children are popular all over the world and have been produced since the middle of the last century. It is of high quality and undergoes mandatory testing by dermatologists. Baby shampoo contains 97% natural biodegradable ingredients. Avocado polyphenols soften and cleanse the scalp well. 

Advantages and disadvantages

Main characteristics

5. Oil gel “Our Mom” ​​from crusts on the baby’s head

Domestic remedy of a new generation gently eliminates milk crusts. The gel contains chamomile extract, tea tree oil, vitamins A, E and F. Natural ingredients relieve dryness and flaking, soften the scalp and create a barrier to infections.

Advantages and disadvantages

Main characteristics

Prevention of the appearance of milk crusts in children on the head at home

Since the causes of milk crusts are not fully understood, experts give different advice on how to prevent seborrheic dermatitis. Many agree that it is impossible to overheat the child’s head in the warm season. A typical mistake is to put on a cap or hat in the heat. It is also necessary to wash the baby’s head regularly.

– To avoid the appearance of new crusts, you need to monitor the microclimate at home. The sebaceous and sweat glands do not fully cope with the load, as a result, excess sebum is formed, which mixes with dead cells, which causes growths. Do not comb your hair often, so as not to injure the skin. In order not to cause dryness and irritation of the skin, use shampoos and gels designed specifically for babies, advises and about. district pediatrician – district paramedic of the pediatric department, Daniil Karpichev.

Popular questions and answers

Acting answers questions about milk crusts. district pediatrician – district paramedic of the pediatric department Daniil Karpichev

Sources of

1. Khakimova R. F., Kamasheva G. R. Clinical and anamnestic features of atopic dermatitis of varying severity in children of the first year of life https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/klinicheskie-proyavleniya-atopicheskogo-dermatita-u-detey-s -primary immunodeficiency
2. Nosyreva S. Yu., Lityaeva L. A. The role of intestinal microbiota in the formation of a pool of free histamine in children with atopic dermatitis https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/rol-kishechnoy-mikrobioty-v-formirovanii-pula-svobodnogo- gistamina-u-detey-s-topicheskim-dermatitom
3. Tamrazova O.B., Zaslavsky D.V. Diseases of the sebaceous glands in infants https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/zabolevaniya-salnyh-zhelez-u-detey-grudnogo-vozrasta