The condition you are facing is quite normal in children but not in adults. According to MedicalNewsToday, around 70% of 3-month-old infants become affected by cradle cap, but this ratio is very low in the case of adults.
Still, you don’t have to worry about it so much. However, whether it is contagious is a serious concern for individuals who go outside and at workplaces.
Here, you will find all the necessary information and treatment to get rid of its symptoms.
Usually common in children, it can also appear in adulthood. Cradle cap in adults is a condition that makes the scalp flaky. It is often mistaken for dandruff, but it is slightly more severe than dandruff.
The flakes mostly appear on the scalp, but the symptoms can also appear on the face, behind the ears, neck, chest, and other body parts.
Besides flakes, it shows further symptoms that are quite common in various skin problems. Usually, there is no need to get the treatment in mild cases. However, it is better to do something for its cure to avoid flare-ups.
Symptoms and causes
Cradle cap usually shows these symptoms in mild scenarios:
● Yellow or white flakes
● Oily or greasy patches on the skin
● Itching
● Mild Inflammation
● Redness in the affected area
● Hair loss
● Mild smell
The symptoms may vary depending on severity. It is not a disease. The cradle cap usually does not smell. You might feel an oily smell, which will be very little. A strong odor indicates the presence of disease or an infection.
There is no exact cause of the cradle cap. Certain factors may lead to this condition, but no one can confirm that.
If you are facing this issue, Maslassezia is likely to be the cause of a flaky scalp. This yeast breaks down sebum and leaves unsaturated fatty acids behind, resulting in the formation of flakes.
Overactivation of the sebaceous glands produces more oil, which can cause a build-up of flakes.
The treatment will be the same regardless of what leads to this condition. Adults have more treatment options available, but before going through this, let’s look at whether it spreads or not.
Is cradle cap in adults contagious?
Cradle cap is neither contagious in adults nor children. You cannot get or transfer flakes to another person by physical contact or using used accessories. However, it can spread to other parts of the body.
It indicates that the condition is serious and urgent treatment is needed. So, how can you treat it?
How to say goodbye to it?
It is quite easy to remove its symptoms. Ensure you clean your scalp often to loosen flakes and remove excessive oil. You should be careful with the bath routine if the scalp is dry.
Using a cradle cap shampoo for adults during baths will provide better results and resolve other associated symptoms. After that, gently use a soft brush to remove flakes. Brushing can be done before, after, and during bathing.
Follow these procedures for a few days to see if it works. If nothing works for you or the situation gets worse, seek professional help.
Things you should consider
When there is a cradle cap, you must follow some instructions to avoid flare-ups or further complications. Since there is no exact cause, there are no specific preventions against it.
However, some measures can be taken to avoid further issues and get the best out of ongoing treatment. Follow these instructions:
● Do not scratch your skin. Use itch-relieving creams to stop the urge to scratch. Scratching can damage skin and hair, leading to infection and hair loss.
● If this happens, do not try to get hair loss treatment because this hair loss will be temporary. The growth should continue after the treatment of the cradle cap. If you still see excessive hair loss and bald patches, it could be another issue.
● Do not try to pick flakes with your finger. Use a brush instead to remove flakes manually. You can also use a fine-toothed comb, but it could be hard for you if your scalp has sensitive skin.
● Make sure to use only medically approved products. Using fragrance-free products is highly recommended to avoid allergic reactions.
● If the scalp is excessively oily, wash it often.
● For dry scalp, use a moisturizing cream, lotion, or gel frequently.
Conclusion
Cradle cap in adults are not so dangerous. But you should be careful of its flare-ups. It is good that it cannot spread from person to person, but you should be careful about its symptoms. It can spread to other body parts.
Make sure to get the right treatment early to avoid complications.
Follow the guidelines mentioned in the upper paragraph. If you learned something from this guide, make sure to check other articles.
