DIY Cure For Cradle Cap?
What is cradle cap? Its a severe form of baby dandruff. Your infant has a 50% chance of getting this. However, in most cases, it does not harm the child and is not itchy. It is thick, scaly patches of skin that is most commonly on the crown of the head, but can also be found in eyebrows, around eyelids, nose, ears, and even the groin area.
You can let it run its course, but as it is prone to hang around for months, you may want to take matters into your own hands. In fact, I have a simple but effective treatment to help remove this stubborn crud from your baby's sweet head. These ingredients are perfectly safe for your child, barring any odd allergies. (If you do this treatment and it causes red, irritated skin, discontinue immediately.)
You will need:
Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
A baby comb or brush
Small dish or container
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil together in a small pan to heat on the stove or a small microwave safe receptacle to heat in the microwave.
Heat very slowly- the lowest setting on the stove, or in 15 second increments in the microwave, until the lump of coconut oil melts and dissolves into the oil solution.
Stir well and set aside overnight at room temperature. Warning: Do NOT apply while still heated! Allow ample time to cool completely. This will form a beautiful salve consistency. Take a dab of this on your fingertips and rub it into the effected areas well. Wait ½ hour for it to soak in and start working.
Take a baby brush or comb. I found that a brush is best, as it is gentle on your baby's hair and scalp but the gobs of scale cling to it as you brush them off. I tried a baby comb but her fine hair started coming off onto the comb, but the brush was gentle enough to leave her hair intact.
At this point, you may want to apply a second coat and brush again. You can also leave in overnight or wash baby's hair as you would normally. You should notice a significant reduction in the scaly residue but you may want to repeat this process a couple more days in a row. Don't bathe her too often or your child's skin will dry out.
Its OK if you leave the oil mixture on their skin too. In fact, olive oil and coconut oil are both very beneficial for the skin and hair. And even if your curious little one manages to consume some of the salve, that's OK too!
You may want to save this in a sealable container and keep on hand. It will keep for a long time.This salve is also useful for other ailments. You can put it on rashes, including diaper rash, dry patches of skin, scrapes and minor cuts, bed sores, and dry hair, just to name a few.
You can click here to see a list of health benefits and applications for OLIVE OIL and COCONUT OIL.
