Milk crust in babies: what it is, why it appears and what to do to treat it
Ensuring the health of our baby is one of the greatest responsibilities involved in being a parent, especially if the baby is only a couple of months old. It is a time when they can suffer from many evils.
Have you heard about the milk crust? At first it sounds like something terrible but it is a small defect that is absolutely harmless but that can be quite frightening.
What is the milk crust?
If you notice that the leather of your little one looks scaly, excessively dry and that at times it may seem as if you suffer from dandruff, then you are in the presence of this condition quite common in babies.
Doctors describe it as a Childhood seborrheic dermatitis, especially if in addition to the above, there are quite thick crusts, a greasy and yellowish area, in addition to some brown spots. Therefore, from a rather popular point of view it is known by the name of milk crust.
It is a condition that appears between the first month and 12 months of life, and that right after the first year can disappear. However, in some babies it can be prolonged for longer.
There are more extreme cases in which the milk crust can extend to other areas such as near and around the ears, the edge of the eyebrows and some parts of the armpits, neck and even on the heels of the feet.
Do you have a specific cause?
Medically there has been no way to prove what causes it but what is known is that it is not associated with the lack of hygiene of the baby or the suffering of some type of allergy involving mites, for example.
There is a theory that suggests that during the last month of pregnancy, the mother passes a quantity of hormones to the baby, which stimulates the sebaceous glands in excess. Therefore sebum production.
Another theory talks about a fungus that occurs through the production of sebum and it transforms into this condition that perhaps disturbs the parents of a newborn baby too much.
What is known is that the milk crust is not contagious and has no major impact on the health of your baby. However, if it gets too complicated, it may itch.
Is there a treatment?
In theory, it is a condition that will disappear with the passage of time, especially when the baby reaches the first year of life. But if it's something you can not stand for any reason, you can try the following.
You must massage the affected areas with the tips of your fingers or with the help of a brush with special bristles for baby. This small stimulation will make the scales go away little by little.
Wash your head or other parts once a day with warm water. If you are going to apply soap or shampoo, make sure to remove everything and then dry with a towel, rubbing gently until the scales leave.
In the market there are specially designed shampoos for this problem, but before using them, consult with the pediatrician if it is convenient. Basically what you will do is wash the scalp with the product and dry it.
There is also the alternative of rubbing the scalp with pure and natural oils, such as olive or almond. Let it act for 15 minutes and then rub gently with a dry cloth.
Brushes with fine teeth, especially those made of plastic or wood, are ideal for brushing the area that is affected. We must try not to be too abrupt, babies are very delicate.
When you use personal hygiene products, such as creams, shampoos, among others, you must be careful that the skin absorbs them well or that there are no residues. Remember that the pores of the skin should breathe so that the problem does not continue to worsen.
Medical help
Medical care for the milk crust is not necessary, unless it is too extreme a case. It is known that some babies can suffer quite serious episodes, that even blood.
There are parents who venture to buy shampoos that are used for dandruff that are sold without a prescription. Others opt for cortisone-based creams when there is inflammation in that area. In any case, you have to be responsible and do not use any of this unless the pediatrician indicates it. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Pediatrician. We advise you to consult your trusted pediatrician. ThemesDiseases in babies and children
