Infants and children experience dry, flaky scalp conditions just as adults do, although with less frequency. Infants suffer a form of dry scalp called cradle cap, while older children may experience dandruff. Both conditions cause dry skin, itching and flaking. Cradle cap is mostly scaly and yellow, while dandruff is identified as white skin specks that show on clothing and near the hair follicle. There are remedies for both conditions that will provide relief to both child and parent.
Step 1
Shampoo your child's hair frequently to remove dead skin. Gentle baby shampoos should be used for infants, while regular shampooing daily may be used for older children. Older children may wash hair in a dandruff shampoo twice weekly.
Step 2
Wipe the scalp with a towel or brush with a soft hairbrush to remove loosened dead skin with cradle cap. Applying baby oil will also help loosen dry patches, making brushing these areas easier. After applying oil to the hair, make sure to thoroughly shampoo your baby's hair as excess oil can worsen cradle cap when left on the scalp for long periods of time.
Step 3
Buy oil-free hairstyling products for older children. Hair gels, hair sprays and creams contain ingredients that may dry the scalp further. Using oil-free products will reduce dandruff and help prevent further problems after dandruff is gone.
Step 4
Apply cortisone creams as directed by your child's pediatrician. In cradle cap and dandruff cases that do not go away with conventional treatment, your pediatrician may prescribe cortisone cream to reduce inflammation and help soften the scalp.
Tips and Warnings
- Stress can worsen dandruff symptoms in older children, so keeping your child as stress free as possible may help reduce flare-ups and frequency.
