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Peeling of the scalp in a child can appear for several reasons. In most cases, this is simply a reaction to improper care or external factors. But sometimes the appearance of scales on the head indicates the development of the disease.
Why can a child’s scalp flake off
To eliminate peeling, you must first determine the cause of the problem.
Allergic reaction
Peeling of the baby’s scalp may indicate an allergic reaction. As a rule, the process is accompanied by redness, itching and restless behavior of the baby. Allergies can be caused by food, or, for example, laundry detergents, shampoos.
Improper care
The use of hygiene products that are not suitable for the child is a fairly common cause of peeling on the head. Shampoos with the wrong formula and the wrong pH (between 0 and 4,5) are more likely to dry out the skin and cause flakes (1).
Dry air
Low humidity in the house can also affect the condition of the child’s epidermis. Too dry air dries out the skin and provokes the appearance of peeling.
reaction to cold
The skin of young children is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. If you do not protect the child from strong winds, he can also “react” with the appearance of peeling on his head.
Clothes made of synthetic fabrics
Synthetic fabrics do not allow air to pass through, thereby preventing the skin from breathing. It can also cause dryness and flaking on the baby’s skin.
disease
In rare cases, peeling of the scalp in a child may indicate a disease of the skin. For example, about ichthyosis, a disease that disrupts the process of keratinization of the epidermis in a person (2). It can also be atopic or seborrheic dermatitis (3).
In any case, the appearance of peeling on the head is a definite reason to seek help from a pediatrician.
Treatment for flaky scalp in children
Treatment of peeling of the scalp in a child is carried out at several levels at once and includes:
- adherence to a hypoallergenic diet;
- the use of external medicines;
- taking medications.
Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Sometimes the symptom goes away on its own, after changing cosmetics and introducing a diet.
If peeling on the head appeared due to illness, then it will definitely be necessary to use special preparations. A doctor will prescribe a specific treatment regimen.
Prevention of peeling of the scalp in a child at home
The best prevention of dry skin problems in a child is proper daily care. The use of soft hygiene products with hypoallergenic properties helps to gently cleanse, moisturize and protect the skin. It is important that each skin care product has a natural composition and has been tested by pediatricians. It is also advisable to wash the child’s underwear and clothes only with special products labeled “for children’s things.”
To prevent peeling of the baby’s scalp, it is necessary to exclude from the baby’s diet all foods that can cause allergies. And to maintain high humidity in the house, you can purchase a humidifier.
Popular questions and answers
Our experts answer the main questions about the problem: dermatologist, trichologist Lahta Clinic Marina Nikolaeva и trichologist, chief physician of the HFE clinic Anna Lyashenko.
What can signal the appearance of peeling of the scalp in a child?
“Since the baby’s body gets used to life in a drier air environment and its skin is still too tender, various factors can cause peeling,” Anna Lyashenko adds. – These include:
● improperly selected care products;
● too dry air;
● synthetic underwear;
● frequent washing;
● too aggressive means for washing and rinsing children’s clothes;
● exposure to sunlight.
Do I need to see a doctor right away or can I solve the problem on my own?
“Due to the fact that peeling can be both the norm for the first months of a child’s life, and an indicator of an allergic reaction or skin diseases, you should immediately contact a specialist,” Anna Lyashenko disagrees with her colleague. – To identify the causes of peeling, visit a pediatrician.
How to treat peeling of the scalp in a child?
Do not aggressively comb out the crusts: this injures the scalp, increases the risk of infection. With insufficient effectiveness of care products, you should contact a dermatologist. After the examination, depending on the severity of the manifestations, the doctor may prescribe antifungal or anti-inflammatory drugs to help adjust skin care.
“If there are crusts on the child’s scalp, then two or three percent salicylic ointment can be locally applied to it,” Anna Lyashenko explains. – After 5 minutes, remove it with a paper towel and wash your hair with baby shampoo. This will help keep your baby’s skin clean.
How to care for the scalp of a child so that peeling does not occur?
– In order for the baby’s skin to be healthy, – Anna Lyashenko clarifies, – mothers should follow some recommendations.
● Follow a hypoallergenic diet to prevent allergens from entering the baby’s body with breast milk. The intestines of babies are very sensitive to new components of the diet and instantly react to any changes in it.
● Wash your hair with baby shampoo only. Children’s hair is thinner and loses moisture quickly, and the pH balance of the baby’s skin and the work of the sebaceous glands are also different from adults, so a specialized mild shampoo should be used for cleansing.
Sources of
- Rybkina N.L. Modern approaches to newborn skin care: tactics of a pediatrician. M., 2014.
- Orlovskaya I.V., Ryumina I.I., Perepelkina A.E. congenital ichthyosis. M., 2009.
- Pilgui E.I., Murashkin N.N. Clinical guidelines for the management of children with seborrheic dermatitis. M., 2015.