HAIR GROWTH
Hair loss or baldness in infants is common and can be due to various factors. Here’s how to identify it and what to watch for:
- Patchy Bald Spots: You might notice patches of missing hair on specific areas of the scalp, often at the back of the head or sides. These patches may be smooth and without any irritation.
- Hair Loss on the Back of the Head: This is especially common in infants who spend a lot of time lying on their backs. The friction between the scalp and surfaces like crib sheets can lead to a bald spot.
- Thinning or Shedding Hair: Some infants experience general thinning across the whole scalp, with hair visibly shedding more than usual. This may happen around 2-6 months old, often due to hormonal changes after birth.
- No Signs of Irritation: Hair loss due to natural shedding or positioning usually doesn’t come with redness, flakiness, or itching, which helps to differentiate it from conditions like eczema or cradle cap.
- Temporary Nature: Most infant hair loss is temporary. New hair typically starts growing back around 6-12 months, often with a different texture or color.
When to Be Concerned: If you notice signs of irritation, redness, or persistent hair loss beyond a year, consult a pediatrician, as this could indicate conditions like alopecia areata or a scalp infection.
CRADLE CAP
Cradle cap is a common skin condition in infants, scientifically known as infant seborrheic dermatitis. It usually appears on a baby’s scalp within the first few months of life. Here’s how to identify it:
- Scaly or Flaky Patches: Cradle cap typically shows up as yellow, white, or brown scales or flakes on the scalp. It may look like dandruff but is often thicker.
- Greasy or Waxy Texture: The affected areas can feel oily or greasy to the touch, with a waxy appearance.
- Clusters of Thick, Crusty Patches: In some cases, cradle cap appears as thick crusty patches or clusters on the scalp that can look a bit like scabs but aren’t painful or itchy.
- May Extend to Other Areas: Though it primarily affects the scalp, cradle cap can sometimes appear on other areas with oil glands, such as behind the ears, eyebrows, eyelids, or around the nose.
- Doesn’t Cause Discomfort: Cradle cap typically doesn’t cause itching, pain, or discomfort, which helps to distinguish it from other rashes or skin issues that can make a baby fussy.
Care Tips: Cradle cap often clears up on its own over time. Gentle massage with oil and washing with a mild baby shampoo can help loosen flakes. Using a soft brush to gently massage the scalp may also help.
