Scalp Odor in Children

Dealing with surprising odors is something parents endure from day one of bringing their baby home. However, while one would expect unpleasing scents to arrive from the diaper area, it is usually a surprise to discover an unpleasant odor coming from your child's scalp. While the source of this smell is usually not anything to be overly concerned about, it is something you can be proactive about if you wish to keep your child's noggin a pleasant place to plant kisses on. If your child's scalp seems to need medical attention, please contact your health-care practitioner.

Scrub-a-Dub-Dub get that Kid in the Tub

According to Dr. William Sears, author of "The Baby Book," a common reason for scalp odor is that the sebaceous glands in the hair follicles produce oils which, unless removed, can become rancid on your child's scalp.
To remedy this situation just lather up your little one's head with a gentle shampoo and use the pads of your fingers to loosen the oils from the scalp. Rinse well with clean water.

Rosemary Tonic

Rosemary essential oil is said by Aromatherapist Jeanne Rose to stimulate the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. In addition to these therapeutic properties, Rosemary also has a pleasant smell and antimicrobial elements that can combat odor. Add 3-5 drops to your child's hair brush before brushing through the hair paying special attention to the roots.

Lavender Massage

Add one tsp. oil to five drops Lavender essential oil. Briskly rub between hands and then massage into your child's scalp. Lavender essential oil is considered by Aromatherapists to be one of the most gentle essential oils and has a pleasing scent that is also believed to be calming and soothing to the skin.

Olive Oil Scrub

When the odor source is from cradle cap, a scaly layer of dead skin cells common in babies and toddlers, massaging warm extra virgin olive oil into the scalp will allow you to gently scrape away the dead skin layer. This practice allows you to easily remove the offending odor which is often increased by the effects of dried infant milk, spit up, and drool that finds its way to the scalp during nap time.

Gentle Conditioners

There is an abundance of both natural and mainstream products available for conditioning the hair and scalp of a child. Naturally based products boast the absence of chemicals opting for more nature based ingredients that have been shown to be gentle and effective. Whichever product you choose, be sure that it has a scent that you and your child enjoy because it is the conditioner that nourishes the scalp and leaves the last impression of scent in your child's hair.

Regular Washing vs. Dry Shampoo

Some children love baths, while others seem to feel that the bath tub is a torture chamber. Whichever camp your child belongs to, you can be sure that regular hair washings will decrease scalp odor. If your child is prone to bath time terror, you can extend the time between wet hair washing times with the addition of a dry shampoo. To make homemade dry shampoo mix 2 tbsp. Fuller's earth, 2 tbsp. orris root powder, 1 tbsp. arrowroot powder, and 10 drops rosemary, chamomile or rose essential oil. Store the mixture in a clean jar with a secure lid. Sprinkle a little over your child's hair and massage lightly into the hair and scalp for about 2 minutes and then brush out with a soft brush until all traces of the powder are gone.