What Causes Seborrhoeic Dermatitis In An Infant?

Posted on Fri, 19 Dec 2014

Question: My 1 month old son has this on his had and his face,
Whats this?
And should i be worried?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cradle cap

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone through the images. You child has a condition called cradle cap (infantile or neonatal seborrhoeic dermatitis) which is basically a fungal infection of the excessive sebaceous secretion from the sebaceous glands of the scalp. It is not a cause of concern. Just apply ketokonazole shampoo like Nizoral twice or thrice a week. It may persist for sometime and there is nothing to be worried about.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (3 minutes later)

And whats the reason for the smell?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Due to excessive fatty secretions

Detailed Answer:
As I mentioned, it is basically a fungal infection of the excessive sebaceous secretion from the sebaceous glands of the scalp. The smell is due the excess oily secretions getting exposed to air and thereby oxidized.

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. Vinay Bhardwaj