My 88-year-old mom has had cradle cap for 2 years after a lengthy hospital stay. The non-stop itching keeps her awake and is a constant source of misery. I've invested in many over-the-counter remedies and a prescription from the dermatologist, but nothing has helped for more than a day. Does anyone out there know what can be done to get rid of this?
With babies, this happens because of not having enough hair to soak up oils.
The first treatments are topical, shampoos, creams, Rx topicals. There are other treatments, so my advice is to return to the dermatologist, and research online.
A few other diagnoses are similar to cradle cap. A biopsy can help with the diagnosis. It could be psoriasis, excema as well.
I find coconut oil to be amazingly healing and soothing, and if it were myself or someone whom I loved, I’d probably start with that first.
Possibly a fabric shower cap with most of the plastic removed could be helpful with containing the mess.
Perhaps, if you let her know she will not keep her hair if she doesn’t get rid of the sebum build up.
The build up of sebum - essentially dead skin cells, more or less - will smother the hair follicles. Without air getting to the follicles - her hair will begin to fall out. Hair grows in three steps - new growth, existing hair then shedding. As it is - if the build up is bad, no new hair will sprout and she will continue to shed her existing hair. Eventually, she will become balding - patchy at best.
Oils are wonderful for hair. Ever try a mayonnaise mask? Smells funny but after it’s washed off you are left with the most beautiful, shining hair. The key - with any oils and/or conditioners is to be sure they get throughly washed out.
Which brings up - how did the build up get so bad in the first place? Is she like so many elders get - and becoming adverse to bathing? Maybe it’s time someone else takes over her shampooing, at least.
Once you get the condition cured - have her start to use a shampoo that is made to strip build up - at least once a week. There are a ton of them out there so you should probably research them for her and purchase the best one that matches her needs. Personally, I like one made by Neutrogena. I believe it’s called Clean. It’s clear and comes in a small square shaped plastic bottle.
Good of luck to you. Not a fun thing to have to deal with, huh? Oh, the never ending joys of being a caregiver!
As I mentioned earlier, sebum is dead skin cells but what differs it from dandruff and causes it to cling to the scalp vs. flaking - is the oil produced by the sebum glands in the scalp. Or I should say over produced - which is the root of the problem.
Sooo - back to the warning regarding using oil to loosen the built up sebum. If you use oil - any oil - although I’ve seen mineral oil recommended - but it is critical that the oil is well shampooed out. Otherwise your adding oil to what is already a problem created by the bodies own oil - to start with. As you massage an oil into the scalp - be sure to use the pads of your fingers - a firm but gentle massage is best. You do not want to use your fingernails - as tempting as that may be. And even if it feels good to scratch that itch - it can lead to infection with all that icky, germy crust.
Lastly, a rinse with apple cider vinegar once a week is good for keeping a healthy scalp ph level. Once the problem has been resolve, that is.
There are prescription shampoos that treat this condition, but they need to be used regularly and generally in combination with a regular shampoo. If the active ingredient in the scripted product didn't work, there are others with different active ingredients. But treatment needs to be regular, not a once in a blue moon.
And, yes it could need to be biopsied if it's that severe and unremitting.
Has anyone taken a scraping and stuck it under a microscope?
The same source recommends:
" See a GP if:
the cradle cap is all over your baby's body
the crusts leak fluid or bleed
the affected areas look swollen
there's no improvement after a few weeks of treatment
These could be signs of an infection or another condition, like eczema or scabies."
Searching for information specific to the elderly, there is also this that you might like to have checked out:
"... if your cradle cap is caused by Malassezia fungus. The most well-known brand of antifungal shampoo is Nizoral, which you can purchase online. These shampoos contain an antifungal treatment known as ketoconazole."
Fungus of one sort or another would be my next guess. But that should be easy enough to diagnose with a biopsy.
Im in agreement with those who say a doctors visit should happen - and a biopsy done. In the mean time treating with any type of targeted product - without knowing the actual cause of the problem - could very well be making things worse instead of better.
And thanks to all who offered great suggestions. I appreciate it.
It will burn at first. But the issue will be gone!
After first time, you are done. Use weekly thereafter. Diluted.
She followed a px faithfully for one year with no improvement? Did she let that dermatologist know how the treatment was going?
Take the time to gently massage the oil into the scalp (try a small area at a time-a few drops of oil at a time depending on thickness of hair) until the flakes start coming loose -just wipe off with a tissue . This might take a few applications, but It should go away in a short time.
www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/treating-cradle-cap-in-children#1
www.pinterest.com/pin/454652524856890036/?lp=true
are just 2 websites to pop in a google search.
Olive Oil (on the scalp) has an unpleasant odor and is almost impossible to wash out. To get it completely out, you must use a “de-greaser” like dishwashing liquid, but then your hair becomes extremely dry and prone to tangling. Combing hurts. Mayo treatments are similar. doesn’t smell great.
Dandruff shampoos will relieve the itching and burning caused by seborrhea. (Selson Blue, Head and Shoulders, Nizoral). See which smells best to her. If she has any bad sores, white table sugar will stop the burning. Do not use sugar on her scalp if she is diabetic.
Follow the shampooing with a heavy application of inexpensive conditioner. Choose one with a fragrance that she enjoys. Before rinsing, first use a wide tooth comb, then use a lice comb, to remove the “dandruff.” Use gentle pressure as you comb through to the scalp, to remove the flakes and scabs. Wipe off the lice comb on a paper towel after each swipe. This will also feel good to her scalp, “Aahhhhh!” She will say. This will alleviate the itching. Repeat this daily for best results and the condition will improve greatly - may disappear completely! Her hair will be even more beautiful and shiny when you are done.
The most effective lice combs are available online. The “Nit Free Terminator” is great.
Put on soft music (surprise her with something from her era), make the treatment spa like and she will feel so loved and happy!
Dad's in a skilled care community and gets a shower twice a week. Periodically, I remind the aids that they need to let the shampoo sit on his scalp for 15 minutes for it to work. I would guess that sometimes they forget and use the regular shampoo.
Honestly, it mostly clears the flakiness up, good enough for me. Dad is not bothered by it, and I don't dwell on the issue with the aids. I'm "picking my battles."
He has a weird patch on his right cheek near the hairline that does not clear up. I put Vicks Vapor Rub on it - Vicks is mildly antifungal. It's gentle and slow acting. It keeps the patch from getting too unsightly.
I tried tea tree oil, but it really didn't show much difference. Lately I've heard about oregano oil as an anti-fungal agent. I haven't tried it yet.
Has a dermatologist looked at that patch? It could be skin cancer.
Ignore this. I googled it.