A flaky scalp could be due to various conditions. Although it is a primary symptom of cradle cap, it can also be just a build-up of flakes or another scalp condition.
However, if the scalp is itching with mild inflammation and redness, it could be seborrheic dermatitis, known as cradle cap in children.
Its mild form is known as dandruff, but some call it cradle cap when it becomes more severe than dandruff in adults.
So, is it possible to treat this condition or manage its symptoms? This is what you will know after reading this article. So, without taking much of your time. Let’s come straight to the topic.
Cradle Cap In Adulthood
Flaky scalp is a common concern in adults. Dandruff is here to be blamed for the flakes that fall on your shoulder. However, the cradle cap in adults is its slightly severe form.
Unlike in children, it does not fade out on its own in adults. It can, but it often worsens if someone shows negligence in treatment. The most vulnerable areas are the scalp, face, beard, chest, neck, behind ears, and back.
Cradle cap is less common in adults. But still, its mild form is very common. Most of the affected are male.
Symptoms And Causes
Common symptoms of cradle cap in adults include:
- Itching
- Flaking
- Scales
- Greasy patches on the skin
- Mild inflammation
- Redness
- Hair loss
The symptoms mostly appear in areas that produce more oil, which leads us to their possible cause. While there is no exact cause behind it, Malassezia (a yeast) is said to be responsible for flakiness.
The yeast breaks down Sebum oil and leaves unsaturated fatty acids behind. These turn into flakes and dead cells that appear on our scalp. Another possible reason is the overactivation of sebaceous glands.
These glands are responsible for the production of Sebum oil. Overactivation leads to the overproduction of oil, which results in greaseless and oily flakes.
However, no one can identify the causes of this condition in adults and children. The interesting thing is that the treatment is the same for both. Adults have more treatment options available.
How To Manage It At Home?
1. Regularly Clean The Skin
Cleaning is the first step of effective treatment. Thoroughly washing the scalp and other affected areas can manage excessive oil production.
If your skin is dry, you must be careful with the bath routine. Take 2 to 3 baths or less. If the scalp is excessively oily, daily or more baths are recommended.
Use the right shampoo for better results. If needed, use a moisturizer after a bath. Regular cleaning will help reduce the amount of oil, loosen flakes, and clean the scalp from bacteria and dust particles.
When taking a bath, you must keep these guidelines in mind:
- Take shorter baths.
- Use lukewarm water.
- Limit bath timing to just 5 minutes.
- After the bath, pat dry with a soft cloth. Do not rub the cloth vigorously.
2. Get The Right Product
If the condition is serious, you should use medically approved products for proper treatment. A cradle cap shampoo for adults is usually enough to manage its symptoms. It will loosen and remove flakes and help soothe associated symptoms.
Use the medicated shampoo two times a week. Adjust the usage to fit your current condition if you see visible results.
Even after removing the symptoms, you can use this shampoo in your skincare routine.
If your skin is dry, use a good moisturizer after bathing. Massage with the moisturizer daily to lock in moisture. Adjust the use of moisturizer depending on the severity of dryness.
3. Do Regular Brushing
Brushing helps when you want to remove flakes manually. Choose a brush with soft bristles if your skin is sensitive, and brush your scalp gently but thoroughly to remove flakes.
This will remove and loosen most of the flakes.
If some flakes are not removed, do not rub hard to get them out of your skin; use the medicated shampoo for complete cleaning. You can use the brush before, after, and during a bath.
Do not use the brush on damaged or wounded skin, It can worsen the condition.
Cradle cap is not contagious, so you can use and share accessories with others without the tension of its spread.
4. Massage With Oils
Massaging is the next step toward management. It helps keep the skin strong and healthy and reduces itching and pain.
A daily 20-minute massage can have various other health benefits, including reducing stress.
Gentle massage daily with an emollient will help loosen flakes and make them easy to remove in the bath. Medicated shampoo and a brush will do the rest of the work.
Follow Some Lifestyle Guidelines
Now, you might think you are done with the cradle cap. This is true, but some lifestyle changes are required to get the most out of treatment and prevent its flare-ups.
Whether you take them as best practices or preventive measures, you must follow these practices:
- Do not use oily products if the scalp is oily.
- Do not pick flakes with your fingers; you might damage your hair.
- Do not eat processed, high-sugar, and oily foods.
- Do not scratch your skin. Scratching can damage both hair and skin, increasing the risk of infection.
- Do not use shampoo and brush if the skin is damaged or wounded.
- If the cradle cap smells bad, consult a doctor. It can be a sign of an infection.
- If you see mild hair loss, do not buy hair care products. The hair loss due to scratching is temporary.
Conclusions
The guidelines described in this article are best for the treatment of cradle cap. You should not panic. If it has affected you, wait for a few days to see if it fades out.
If not, follow this guide. If these methods do not work for you or the condition becomes worse, consult a doctor to seek professional help. I hope this guide helped you a lot.