Coconut oil has some anti-microbial and micro-fungal properties. Coconut oil has many benefits including traits to fight against various skin diseases. Cradle cap is one of the common skin conditions.
So, can it be treated using just coconut oil or does it have some benefits in treatment? This article is all about the effect of coconut oil on cradle cap.
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a condition that causes the formation of crusty flakes and scaly patches on the scalp and other body parts. It is known as dandruff in adults and cradle cap in adults.
The condition is not harmful and fades out within a few weeks or a month.
It is safe to leave it untreated. However, if it starts spreading to other body parts and the symptoms get worse, you must look for treatment.
Is coconut oil an effective treatment?
The short answer is that it depends. Cradle cap is one of the common skin conditions in children (infants and toddlers). When it comes to babies, every aspect should be approached carefully.
So, what about coconut oil? Is it helpful or in what scenarios, it can benefit?
Well, coconut oil has many benefits to improve skin health and hair growth. Coconut oil can or cannot benefit in the treatment of cradle cap.
It depends on your baby’s skin. Some parents have seen the positive impacts of using coconut oil on their babies. Should you use it?
Possible Hazards and Advantages
As we mentioned earlier, the effectiveness of coconut oil depends. It can help in reducing symptoms of flaky scalp or may worsen the condition. So, let’s check the possible advantages first.
Advantages
- If cradle cap is left untreated, it may cause the development of infection. Coconut oil has anti-microbial properties which help prevent minor infections on scalp.
- Coconut oil is a safe and natural treatment generally and is also used for the treatment of various other skin conditions. It will provide enough moisture to scalp and improve and hydrate dry skin.
- Besides the treatment of flaky skin, it offers various health benefits and improves skin condition like delaying the appearance of wrinkles. It is also used in massage.
Now let’s have a look at possible dangers.
Hazards
- Coconut oil can cause allergic reactions in some babies
- Overuse of coconut oil or any oil attracts dirt to stick on the skin and makes it difficult to remove residues.
- Clogs are tiny openings in the skin that release oil and dead cells. Coconut oil can close those pores.
How to use it for treatment?
If your baby is not allergic to coconut oil, you can safely use it for treatment. However, completely relying on coconut oil for severe symptoms may be not enough. For mild conditions, it will be effective.
- Wash your baby’s scalp to remove dirt and bacteria. Use cradle cap shampoo for cleaning the scalp and reducing severe symptoms.
- Pat dry your baby’s scalp and other body parts where you want to apply oil.
- Use fresh coconut oil or grab one from a reputable brand. Heat up the oil a little bit and check the temperature before applying it to your baby.
- Apply a small amount of oil on the baby’s scalp and other affected areas. Gently massage it for a while.
- Leave the oil for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Now wash your baby again to remove the residues of the oil.
Now pat dry your baby with a clean cloth and let him play.
Do this before using coconut oil
Coconut oil is used to reduce symptoms of skin conditions like cradle cap, acne, eczema, etc. However, you should be careful about the hazards of its use on flaky skin.
Before applying oil on scalp and other affected areas, apply a very small amount of oil somewhere else on the baby’s skin. Check after 15 to 20 minutes. If the skin becomes reddish, inflamed, or shows any allergic reaction, you must avoid using it on flaky skin.
If your baby has know allergy or someone in your home has this allergy, you should avoid this on your baby.
Conclusions
Coconut oil has proven effective treatment against flaky skin but it should be approached carefully. If your baby is allergic to this oil, you should avoid this. However, you can use medicated products from Happy Cappy Shampoo if your baby has a known allergy. They provide safe and OTC treatment for babies and adults of any age dealing with seborrheic dermatitis.