Cradle+Cap

=Cradle Cap=

Seborrheic dermatitis in infants. It may develop within the 1st months of life and usually resolves itself. I usually suggest gently rubbing/ scrubbing and the use olive oil on it. It is characterized by a thick yellow crusty scalp. 41.7% (465 of the 1,116 children examined) had pityriasis capitis Sesame oil

Causes:
Malassezia species are yeast found in normal human skin seborrheic dermatitis previously attributed to Malassezia furfur (previously called Pityrosporum orbiculare) genus Malassezia reclassified to include 7 species (Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek)

**Possible risk factors:**
possible association with riboflavin, biotin, and pyridoxine deficiencies (World Rev Nutr Diet 1988;55:165) uncommon generalized form in infants may be linked to immunodeficiencies altered essential fatty acid pattern reported in children with seborrheic dermatitis based on case-control study 30 infants aged 1-6 months with seborrheic dermatitis were followed for 2-5 months, and compared to age-matched controls

serum essential fatty acids were measured at diagnosis and after spontaneous recovery o levels of essential fatty acid in children with active dermatitis were significantly different from controls § fatty acid 20:2w6 found in significant amounts in 20 cases but barely detectable in controls § 18:1w9 levels increased § 18:2w6 levels decreased § 20:4w6 levels remained normal o all deviant values (except 20:2w6) returned to normal at time of recovery o essential fatty acids in breast milk samples from mothers of cases and controls were identical ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo considered safe and effective topical corticosteroids should be limited to severe cases to reduce possible systemic absorption noted as an alternative approach for resistant cases

In severe cases it can have cracking yellow scaling behind the ears and red papules on the face. There is more diaper rash in kids with cradle cap. This syndrome is associated with damp heat and sometimes will have an added infection to it like staph. With the damp heat which is usually below, there is a rising of the heat [Ye Ju Hua, Sheng Di, Chi Shi Zhi, Niu Bang Zi, Dan Pi, Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Yi Yi Ren, Ming Fan, Gan Cao, Qiang Huo, Bo He] Red face lesions: Jin Yin Hua (lonicera), Lian Qiao (forsythia), Huai Hua Mi (Immature sophora) Dampness: Ku Shen, Fu Ling (Poria), and Hua Shi (Talc) Food stagnation: Shan Sha (Cratagus)
 * Treatment:** Ye Ju Niu Zi Tang Jia Wei (Chrysanthemum & Arctium decoction with added flavors):
 * Modifications:**


 * External:** Cang Er Zi (xanthium)30g, Wang Bu Liu Xing (Vaccaria seed) 30g, Ku Shen 15g, Ming Fan 9g -decoct and rub liquid in 2-3 times/day

Avoid sugar and mother should eat a bland low meat diet. Castille soap will often dry the cradle cap up, topical witch hazel tea works also. Oat baths work nicely for irritation and softening, and massage with sesame or olive oil. May also use vinegar.

B5/B6 topical gel - [coletto]