Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis (which may also be known as ISD, cradle cap or milk crust) is a skin condition that occurs in babies, usually before they are 6 months old.
Overview
The condition is related to the overproduction of a yeast known as malassezia, which is naturally found on the skin, but in certain babies, develops excessively.
Infantile seborrheic dermatitis tends to present in areas of the body where there are a lot of sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, such as the scalp, nose and back, but in babies, it may also occur in the nappy area or in the folds of the skin.
While infantile seborrheic dermatitis may look very red and scaly, and can cause the developing hair to fall out, parents can be reassured that the condition doesn’t usually bother the baby. In the vast majority of cases, infantile seborrheic dermatitis usually resolves before the baby’s first birthday, on average at about 6 months old.
In some cases, infantile seborrheic dermatitis can develop into atopic eczema, and this may need further treatment a GP will be able to diagnose and treat this.
Treatment for infantile seborrheic dermatitis are available over the counter from the chemist, but if parents stop using them when they see results, the condition may recur. It’s typical to see the patches change colour and appear to match the surrounding skin after treatment, but when treatment is discontinued, the skin will once again become discoloured as patches redevelop over the course of several weeks.
In older children and adults, seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp is usually just called dandruff, and in contrast to other forms of eczema, seborrheic dermatitis is not an allergy.
Symptoms of Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis
Pruritis can appear anywhere on the body, whether it is a small, localised site; a wider area (such as an arm or leg); or widespread, occurring all over the body.
The symptoms of infantile seborrheic dermatitis are;
It should be reassuring to parents that the majority of babies are not bothered by the symptoms of infantile seborrheic dermatitis.
There are 3 different areas that can present with symptoms of infantile seborrheic dermatitis, and they are;
In more severe cases of infantile seborrheic dermatitis, parents should monitor the baby’s skin for signs of infection, for example;
If your baby does have an infection, visit the GP so that treatment can be prescribed.
Causes of Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis
The exact cause of infantile seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it is linked to the sebaceous glands and believed to be a combination of factors.
These factors include;
Treatment of Infantile Seborrheic Dermatitis at Derma
While the pharmacist or your GP can be very helpful in diagnosing and treating cases of infantile seborrheic dermatitis, we are more than happy to see patients who prefer to consult a private dermatology specialist.
The appointment will begin with an examination of the infant’s skin (also called a skin check) and the parents’ medical histories, which will allow the dermatologist to rule out any underlying or co-occurring condition.
Together with the dermatologist, you will be able to discuss the latest and most effective treatments and explain all potential side-effects, enabling you to select the best option for your child.
Most cases of infantile seborrheic dermatitis can be managed using topical treatments available from chemists, but prescription creams may be helpful in more severe cases.
Whatever your baby’s needs, you can rest assured that Derma will provide the very best care for their sensitive skin, with access to the latest research and treatment methods.
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