6 Reasons to Stay Away From Essential Oils for Cradle Cap

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When parents find themselves dealing with a case of cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) on their baby’s scalp, the first instinct is typically to get rid of the flakes and scales. However, while it may look so, cradle cap isn’t a bothersome or painful condition.

Your best bet is to use a medicated shampoo specifically for cradle cap and let your baby’s skin clear up naturally over time.

Essential Oils for Cradle Cap

Have you considered a natural remedy for cradle cap like essential oils for your little one? Having trouble determining what essential oil is good for cradle cap? You may find websites that swear that essential oils, coconut oil, lemon oil, and mineral oil will help you reduce the flaking and scaling on your baby’s head.

Even though these oils can help moisturize the scalp and soften the scales, you may be shocked to learn that you shouldn’t rely on essential oils for cradle cap in infants.

Why You Should Not Use Essential Oil for Cradle Cap in Babies?

Here are some of the reasons to consider an alternative instead of a cradle cap essential oil recipe and home remedy:

1. Essential Oils Can Block Pores

Oily substances used on the skin are meant to break down dryness and revamp the moisture in the skin’s outermost layers. However, we all know how oil works – once it’s on the surface, it isn’t going anywhere until it’s washed away.

In this way, essential oils could actually clog the pores of your baby’s skin if you apply the oil to cradle cap in hopes of an effective result. This can lead to an allergic reaction or an infection that makes the condition worse than how it started.

2. Fragrances Can Damage the Skin

Fragrances found in essential oils, perfumes, body washes, and shampoos are meant to be complex, creating a tantalizing experience for your senses. But this complexity can also be damaging to sensitive skin, especially in babies.

Fragrances open up the possibility of an allergic reaction or similar side effects, and fragrant essential oils can ultimately add redness, pain, and irritation to cradle cap.

3. Oils Are Messy and Bothersome

There’s no denying how messy essential oils – or any type of oil, for that matter – can be when they touch the surface of the skin. Using essential oils to work through the flakes and scales of your baby’s cradle cap might seem like a good idea at the time, but it can be a messy journey to get there.

4. They Are Not FDA Approved

Essential oils are not FDA approved. They are unregulated just like the sale of herbal pill concoctions. This is why the quality and purity of these oils may vary from one company to another. So you won’t be able to know if it will be safe for your baby or not.

Also, some hidden ingredients in the oils can harm the baby; ‘s health or cause allergic reactions.

5. Dangerous for Baby’s Health

The fragrances in these oils can be harmful to the baby’s health, especially those who are prone to asthma. The strong smell of these oils can make their way through the respiratory system and can lead to a reaction.

Also, there are chances the baby might touch their head and then suck on the same hands. This way, the oils can get into the baby’s digestive system and body and can cause complications.

6. They Can Make Cradle Cap Worse

Cradle cap is caused by excess sebum on the skin, which can trigger the overproduction of skin irritants by Malassezia yeast. As a result, your baby gets flaking, inflammation, and scaling.

If you leave these oils on the baby’s head for some time, they can provide a favorable environment for the Malassezia yeast to grow and ultimately make the cradle cap worse.

Try a Medicated Cradle Cap Shampoo Instead

If you still believe in the power of essential oils for cradle cap, we recommend natural tea tree oil in small amounts. This type of oil has antifungal, antimicrobial, and soothing properties that can be useful in your journey to a clear scalp for your baby, but it won’t be the ultimate fix. However, consult a pediatrician before using it.

And after you are done with applying the essential oil on the baby’s scalp make sure to clean it thoroughly with a shampoo for cradle cap. A shampoo and body wash that contains pyrithione zinc can be effective at soothing the flaking and scaling seen with cradle cap.

While shampooing, you can also use a cradle cap brush to gently remove the loose scales from the baby’s hair and scalp. However, don’t over brush the scalp as it can lead to irritation.

If you have decided not to use essential oils for your baby’s cradle cap, you can use a baby cradle cap shampoo and body wash like Dr. Eddie’s Medicated Shampoo two to three times a week to soothe cradle cap. Medicated shampoo eliminates redness, flakes, and scales associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

This shampoo is specially formulated for babies and children of all ages. It is free from any harsh chemicals such as fragrance, paraben, or sulfate and contains 0.95% zinc pyrithione and natural ingredients like licorice root extract to reduce the flakes, while leaving your baby’s hair and skin smooth. Reduces flakes associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

Shop our products for relief, soothing, and prevention today.

Conclusion

Essential oils are one of the top options in the home remedies for cradle cap. However, it is best that you stay away from essential oils for cradle cap in babies because these can have a negative effect on the baby’s condition and health, such as skin damage and clogged pores, and promote the growth of Malassezia yeast.

Instead of using essential oils, it is better to use a medicated baby shampoo to reduce the flaking, scaling, and irritation associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Cradle cap is the common name for seborrheic dermatitis.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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What essential oils are good for cradle cap?

Lemon and geranium essential oil are often considered good for cradle cap, however it is best to consult a doctor before using these oils as these can also cause skin reactions in some babies. We do not endorse their use.

Is coconut oil or baby oil better for cradle cap?

No matter what oil you are using for cradle cap make sure to remove it thoroughly, because even a small amount of oil left on the skin can trigger the production of Malassezia yeast and make the condition worse.
So its better to choose a safe option which is the use of a cradle cap shampoo.

Can tea tree oil help with cradle cap?

Yes, tea tree oil can be helpful for eczema as it has anti-fungal properties. However, it is important to remember that if one thing works for you, it does not mean it will work for others as well.
In some people, natural remedies can cause allergic reactions and worsen the condition.

Should you scrub off cradle cap?

No, you should never scrub, rub vigorously, or pick at a baby’s cradle cap. It will make the condition worse and lead to other complications such as skin infection, skin damage, scarring, and hair loss.
You can use a cradle cap brush while shampooing to remove the scales. However be sure to be gentle and remove only the loose scales.