How does Seborrhoeic Dermatitis affect babies?
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis is a common condition that affects newborns and infants. It appears in skin areas that are rich in oil glands. The body begins to overproduce skin cells leading to flaking and can also cause itchiness and redness. Infants are more likely to suffer from Seborrhoeic Dermatitis if they have a family member with asthma, psoriasis or eczema. Commonly known as Cradle Cap, Seborrhoeic Dermatitis has no negative effects on your baby’s health and doesn’t affect their sleep or feeding. However, if left untreated the scales can become thick, greasy, and bacterial skin infections can also occur. If your child has redness or scaling near the eyes, armpits, neck, behind ears, or diaper areas, you should consult your doctor.
Signs of Dermatitis
- Crusty yellowish scales with redness that resembles fish scales
- Scales can feel flaky or greasy to touch
In most children, a cradle cap (dermatitis of the scalp) is generally harmless. It can be well managed with simple home care. However, in adolescents and adults, Seborrheic Dermatitis of the scalp is a recurring condition. With regular treatment, the condition can be improved. The condition can be mild where there is only flaking and redness or it could be severe with large areas of redness and severe itching. In certain cases, the area can become infected and can show signs of draining liquid, foul odor, blisters or form painful red spots.
What causes Seborrheic Dermatitis?
While the exact cause remains unknown, it can be associated with an autoimmune disorder. Over-production in the baby’s oil-producing glands or a type of yeast in the oil can contribute to Seborrheic Dermatitis in babies. Other factors that are thought to play a role are:
- Hormonal changes in the mother’s body during pregnancy
- Inflammatory reaction
- Family history
- Increased level of skin lipids
- Others
How is Seborrheic Dermatitis treated?
The treatment depends on the area affected by dermatitis, age of the person and severity of the condition. It may be a stubborn condition but with the right treatment it can be treated and controlled. With simple remedies, cradle cap in babies usually clears up when the child is between 8 to 12 months old. If the condition persists your doctor may prescribe topical steroids, local antifungals, or anti-seborrheic shampoo which can have side-effects. In contrast, homeopathy uses an individualized and holistic approach. Homeopathy has proven efficacy in treating a wide range of skin problems. In a clinical trial conducted in 2002, 41 patients were assigned one of the two treatments including placebo and homeopathy. The group which was given the homeopathic remedy in low doses showed significant improvement after 10 weeks of treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis and dandruff.
Homeopathic Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Treatment
For lasting results, correcting the underlying problem is important and that is exactly what homeopathic treatment for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis does. It helps in controlling the spread as well as promotes healthy skin. Homeopathic medicines enhance the body’s immune response without any side effects. At Dr Batra's®, the homeopathic doctor uses the medical science of homeopathy to create an individualized treatment plan. This plan incorporates homeopathic treatment for Seborrhoeic Dermatitis and skincare tips for the complete well-being of the patient. Over the last 35 years, Dr Batra's® has successfully treated over 3.4 lakh patients with skin diseases. As authenticated by the American Quality Assessors, Dr Batra’s® has a success rate of 94.3% in treating skin problems including dermatitis. To get a safe, effective and natural solution to your skin problem, book an appointment with us: www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment
Also read: All you need to know about Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
