Scalp problems in children can be embarrassing as they get older and attend school. Most scalp problems are easily treated and will disappear within a few weeks. If you notice your child has flaky skin on her scalp or her hair is breaking, you should contact your doctor to determine the cause of the problem and the treatment needed.
Types
Cradle cap is common among newborns and consists of scaly patches on the baby's scalp. These scaly patches can be crusty, with white or yellow scales.
Eczema is common among children and refers to many different skin conditions. With eczema, the skin becomes irritated and red. One in every 10 children develops eczema, according to KidsHealth.org. Symptoms of eczema almost always appear before the age of 5 and can appear on the cheeks, forehead or scalp.
Ringworm of the scalp is a fungal infection common in toddlers and school-age children. This condition is contagious if it isn't treated and can spread easily through person-to-person contact or from sharing objects.
Dandruff can affect children as well as adults. Dandruff is the result of irritated and dry skin, eczema or sensitivity to hair-care products. Changes in hormones or stress may also result in dandruff.
Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, cradle cap may be due to hormones that pass from the mother to baby before birth. Another cause may be a fungus called malassezia that grows in the sebum with bacteria.
Children who get eczema usually have family members with asthma, hay fever or allergies. Symptoms of eczema include one or more round patches of scaly skin on the scalp. The hair usually breaks off in this area of the scalp, which may be tender, and the patches may slowly expand or enlarge. These patches are scaly, gray or reddened.
Children with dandruff have white, oily looking flakes or dead skin that fall on their shoulders. They may also have an itchy, scaling scalp.
Treatment
Cradle cap normally resolves itself within a few months. You should wash your baby's scalp daily with a mild shampoo to help remove the scales. If the condition persists or become more severe, your doctor may suggest a medicated shampoo or other treatment.
Treatment for eczema includes a topical corticosteroid applied twice per day. Hot baths, scented soaps and excessive scrubbing should be avoided. Try to keep your child from scratching the areas to prevent infection.
Ringworm of the scalp is treated with the prescription medication Griseofulvin, which is taken by mouth as a tablet or liquid for at least six weeks. Medication applied directly to the scalp is less effective because it cannot penetrate the scalp and hair, according to MayoClinic.com.
Mild dandruff treatment includes daily cleansing with a gentle shampoo. If this does not clear up the dandruff, your child may need an over-the-counter dandruff shampoo.
Prevention
Prevention for cradle cap includes shampooing your newborn's hair every few days with a mild baby shampoo.
According to KidsHealth.org, scientists believe eczema is inherited, so there is no way to prevent your child from getting it. Triggers that make eczema worse include pollen, mold and dust. Your child should avoid these triggers to prevent flare-ups.
Ringworm of the scalp is contagious and difficult to prevent. To reduce your child's risk, your child should wash her hands often, shampoo her hair regularly, avoid infected areas and avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, hairbrushes and towels.
Dandruff prevention includes having your child shampoo often if he has an oily scalp, learning to manage stress and maintaining a healthy diet.
Considerations
If you notice any scalp problems in your child, you should contact your doctor. Early treatment may help to prevent the symptoms from getting worse or, in the case of ringworm of the scalp, prevent it from spreading to other family members or children. Although these conditions may cause itching, your child should avoid scratching as much as possible to prevent getting an infection in the area. If the area does become infected, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
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