Suggest Treatment For Dry Scalp In An Infant

Posted on Wed, 2 Jul 2014

Question: My 5 months baby has a Cradle Cap/Dry Scalp on his head. Pic is attached here. I tried J & J baby oil and shampoo as well but still no improvement. Kindly suggest what can I do in this case and how to remove this dry scalp.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Cradle cap suggestions

Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thank you for consulting in Health Care magic.

This is definitely cradle cap as you have suggested. I will definitely suggest you a medicated shampoo...but kindly get back to me with the following questions.

Questions:
1. What was the birth weight and what is the current weight
2. How is the attaining of developmental milestones
3. Is the stool oily and floats in the pan
4. Is there any color change in the hair or skin
5. Is there any history of recurrent serious infections
6. Is there any recurrent or anytime ear discharge pr puss from the ear?
7. Is the tummy distended?

Possibilities:
1. Lymphohistiocytosis
2. Immunodeficiency either primary or acquired.

Management: Use Nizoral Shampoo only for the scalp twice a week for 6 weeks and do not apply any oil to the scalp including coconut oil. Make sure the shampoo doesn't go into the eyes. You can apply it gently and wash it off without falling into the eyes.

Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar