Seborrheic dermatitis in a child on the head

Contents

What is seborrheic dermatitis
What is seborrheic dermatitis in a child
- Photo of seborrheic dermatitis in a child
Causes of seborrheic dermatitis in a child
Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in a child
- Modern treatments
- Shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis in a child
Prevention of seborrheic dermatitis in a child at home
Popular questions and answers

Seborrheic dermatitis – crusts on the head of babies – is experienced by most parents. Why is this disease dangerous? How to get rid of it? What shampoos are suitable for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in newborns? Find out with an expert

Seborrheic dermatitis on the head in babies is also called milk crusts. But these scales have nothing in common with milk. Noticing the crusts on the head of their child, parents may be upset: “What is wrong with my baby?”. In fact, there is nothing special about seborrheic dermatitis – this is one of the common problems of babies in the first months of life.

“Milk crusts” appear in most newborns. In many babies, they pass on their own, without consequences and treatment. You can just wait a while, or you can help them disappear faster.

What is seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a benign process. It manifests itself in the form of white or yellowish scales, oily crusts on areas of the skin where there are many sebaceous glands, including the scalp, ears, face. On the head, seborrheic dermatitis most often affects the frontal region.

Hair with seborrheic dermatitis does not fall out, the head does not itch. Itching may appear during an exacerbation, when the crusts go beyond the hairline, affect the skin behind the ears, on the neck. (one)

What is seborrheic dermatitis in a child

The sebaceous glands have two peaks of activity:

first	falls on the age of 3 months and lasts about a year
second	begins in adolescence, during puberty

Based on this, children’s seborrheic dermatitis and the adult form of the disease are distinguished.

Children’s seborrheic dermatitis can manifest itself in a limited form on the scalp (“seborrheic cap”) and widespread, when crusts appear on the face, sternum and other parts of the body.

Photo of seborrheic dermatitis in a child

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis in a child

There are three main causes of seborrhea in a child.

Increased activity of the sebaceous glands

The main cause of seborrheic dermatitis in children. The fact is that maternal hormones circulate in the blood of a child in the first weeks of life. Because of this, the child’s sebaceous glands (by the way, they are quite large in the scalp) work too intensively. Sebum is secreted by these glands in large quantities, not much less than in adults. The activity of the sebaceous glands may also be associated with increased production of adrenocorticosteroids (hormones produced by the adrenal glands).

Mushrooms

In children, they can rarely be the cause of seborrheic dermatitis, unlike adults, but some experts admit this possibility. These fungi destroy the protective barrier of the skin, release fatty acids that stimulate inflammation. (2)

Lipid metabolism disorder

It changes the chemical composition of lipids on the surface of the skin, provokes skin inflammation.

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis in a child

Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis is prescribed by a dermatologist. For newborns, topical therapy is usually used with the use of special shampoos, skin softening baby oils and creams. In severe cases, antifungal ointments and corticosteroids may be prescribed.

An important role is played by proper skin care and the use of products recommended by the doctor after examining the child.

A special shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis should be approved for use from the first days of a child’s life. Use them as usual. But without fanaticism! Daily use of such a shampoo can lead to the opposite effect: the sebaceous glands will begin to work even more actively. The effect is noticeable in someone after the first applications, and in someone after a few weeks, especially if the child has a lot of crusts on his head and there are layers.

Oil products and creams against crusts are applied under a cap half an hour before bathing, and washed off with shampoo during water procedures. After bathing, the crusts are combed out with a soft brush.

It is strongly not recommended to forcibly rip off and tear off the crusts – this can injure the delicate growth zone of the baby’s hairs and contribute to the spread of infection!

Modern treatments

To soften and painlessly remove seborrheic crusts on the child’s head, special creams with a keratolytic effect are used. The composition of special shampoos may include products that eliminate the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands:

antifungals (ketoconazole, ciclopirox, etc.),
antimicrobial (sulfur),
antiseptics (salicylic acid),
anti-inflammatory and regenerating (zinc).

An obligatory part of the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis is the restoration of the water-lipid barrier of the skin. Children’s dermatological creams are applied to the affected areas, which have the properties of healing wounds, reducing sebum production, etc.

The doctor prescribes pharmaceutical preparations for complicated course. (3)

Shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis in a child

We have selected the top 5 best shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis in children.

1. BABE Laboratorios Shampoo for children from seborrheic crusts

Gradually removes milk crusts and prevents the appearance of new ones. Contains marigold extract, salicylic acid and active ingredients that inhibit the growth of Malasseiza fungus. Does not contain synthetic chemicals. Does not cause negative skin reactions.

Manufacturer country	Spain
Volume	200 ml

2. Baby Balance Shampoo Foam with Oils to Soften Milk Crusts

Moisturizes, cleanses and softens the skin. Contains vitamins A, C, E, panthenol, extracts of chamomile, lavender, calendula, prebiotic and natural biolipid to restore the scalp and prevent the recurrence of crusts.

Foam shampoo is hypoallergenic, does not contain soap, parabens, silicones, dyes.

Manufacturer country	Our Country
Volume	250 ml

3. Sanosan Baby Bath & Shampoo

Cleanses the skin and hair, helps soften the crusts. Contains organic olive oil extract & milk protein to soften, repair & hydrate skin. Does not contain soap. Does not cause tears.

Clinically tested. Suitable for daily use.

Manufacturer country	Germany
Volume	200 ml

4. Mustela Baby Crust Scrub Shampoo

Cleanses hair and skin, gently softens and removes dry crusts. Does not cause tears if it gets into the eyes.

For 99% it consists of components of natural origin. Contains salicylic acid. Does not cause allergic reactions.

The safety of Mustela Foam Shampoo has been confirmed by dermatologists and pediatricians.

Manufacturer country	France
Volume	150 ml

5. “La Cree” Shampoo-foam for children

Softens and removes seborrheic crusts. Normalizes the work of the sebaceous glands. Helps moisturize the skin. Contains salicylic acid, panthenol, olive oil, wheat proteins. The composition contains jojoba oil and violet extract, which help relieve irritation and improve the protective properties of the skin.

Does not contain dyes, parabens and fragrances, silicones and sulfates.

Manufacturer country	Our Country
Volume	150 ml

Prevention of seborrheic dermatitis in a child at home

Proper skin care of a child is the main condition in the prevention of the appearance of seborrheic dermatitis.

In protecting the child from seborrheic dermatitis also play an important role:

maintaining the optimum temperature in the house,
the use of special shampoos and bathing products,
strengthening immunity through walks in the fresh air, good sleep, proper and regular nutrition.