Managing Dandruff In Babies: Know About Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

Is your baby’s flaky scalp giving you a hard time? Read this blog to scrape off the stress. 

Managing dandruff in babies can be frustrating at times, primarily because you cannot experiment with their delicate scalp like we do with our own. There can be a variety of different factors responsible for it and the treatment varies depending on these. 

The term "baby dandruff" is often used interchangeably with seborrheic dermatitis, however, they are not the same. These are in fact, 2 types of the same condition. Dandruff only appears on the scalp, whereas seborrheic dermatitis tends to appear on oil prone areas of the face (eyebrows, ears, eyelids, and nose) and even chest. 

This blog will answer all your queries specifically related to dandruff in babies, its causes, risk factors, management, and more. 

What Is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a very common, non-contagious skin condition that is more common in adults than in babies. It is characterised by the classic symptoms of flaky skin and itchy scalp. Although the problem is harmless, it can be quite uncomfortable and unsightly. It can lead to discomfort and irritability in babies. While people often link dandruff to poor hygiene, it is not always the case. There are several factors that can be responsible for your baby’s flaky scalp. Dandruff generally lasts for a week or so, however, in some cases, it can progress, leading to a condition called cradle cap, which is characterised by the development of crusty yellow or red patches of irritated skin. It can be seen in as many as 70 percent of the babies, mostly aged between 3 weeks to 12 months. 

Symptoms Of Dandruff In Babies 

One of the most noticeable signs of dandruff in babies is the presence of tiny white flakes on their scalp and clothing. These flakes can often be seen quite easily, especially when their hair is parted or wet. Other symptoms that you need to watch out for include:

• Scalp discomfort caused by itchiness and irritation

• Red or yellow scaly patches on the baby’s scalp

• Dry and rough patches on the baby’s scalp

If your baby is presenting with any of these symptoms, you should consider seeing the best paediatric dermatologist near you for expert advice. The earlier the condition is treated, the less discomfort your baby will experience.

Causes Of Dandruff In Babies 

Dandruff is linked to dryness and dryness can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from underlying medical conditions to weather change. Here are some of the most common causes of dandruff in babies. 

• Dandruff in babies (and adults) can be linked to cold weather. A fall in the temperature leads to a decrease in the humidity as well, resulting in the lack of moisture in the environment.  This eventually makes your scalp dry and triggers dandruff. 

• Overexposure to the sun’s heat can lead to an increase in the scalp’s temperature and cause excessive sweating. This can also lead to sunburn flaking, which can affect only those areas of the scalp that are directly exposed to the sun. 

• Dandruff may also be caused by uncontrolled Malassezia, which is a type of fungal acne that results from yeast infection in the follicles of the hair on the trunk, neck, and scalp. This is known to cause excessive scaling of the scalp and trigger the development of small bumps. 

• Not rinsing your baby’s scalp properly after shampooing or not using enough shampoo. When you do not rinse shampoo properly, it accumulates on the scalp and comes off as flakes, just like dandruff. Also, when you do not use enough shampoo, there is a buildup of oil and dead skin cells on the baby’s scalp, again resulting in dandruff. 

• Excess sebum production is believed to be one of the factors responsible for dandruff in babies, however, there is no scientific evidence to back it up yet. 

• Underlying chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can also be responsible for causing dandruff in babies. Eczema is a skin condition marked by dryness, swelling, and itchiness, whereas psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that leads to the development of abnormal, itchy patches on the skin. 

• Using certain baby care products like shampoos and oils that do not suit your baby’s scalp or contain ingredients that they are allergic to. 

Tips For Management Of Dandruff In Babies 

If your baby has severe dandruff, it is advisable to see a paediatric dermatologist. Mild to moderate cases can be managed with simple remedies, yet it is always better to keep your doctor in the loop. Here are some known remedies to control dandruff in babies. 

• Before you wet your baby’s hair for shampooing, try to remove the visible flakes from their scalp using a soft brush comb. Try to be as gentle as possible while doing so. 

• Keep your baby’s scalp clean and make sure that you rinse off the shampoo properly. Do not use any anti-dandruff shampoo without a doctor’s consultation as these are not made for a baby’s delicate skin.

• Try to wash your baby’s hair as frequently as you can to prevent sebum and dead cell accumulation. 

• Use shampoos without fragrance as scented shampoos contain chemicals that can irritate your baby’s gentle skin. 

• Use oil and ointments prescribed by a specialist to make sure that your baby’s scalp doesn’t become dry. 

• Do not try to remove or peel the dandruff scales from your baby’s scalp forcefully. It can cause pain and leave the raw skin exposed. 

Connect with our experts on Ask Doctor to get answers to all your queries about baby dandruff.