Cradle cap and dry scalp are two similar conditions found in babies. Both of these conditions stem from having dry skin on their head. It can be tough to tell them apart. Anyhow, they are different conditions with different aetiologies.
The key difference between cradle cap and dry scalp is their features. Cradle cap is characterized by rough, crusty bumps that protrude from the scalp of babies while dry scalp is which characterized by dry, flaky skin on the baby’s head.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Cradle Cap
3. What is Dry Scalp
4. Similarities – Cradle Cap and Dry Scalp
5. Cradle Cap vs Dry Scalp in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Cradle Cap vs Dry Scalp
7. FAQ – Cradle Cap and Dry Scalp
What is Cradle Cap?
Cradle cap is an extremely common skin condition in babies. In fact, some research studies estimate as many as 70% of infants develop cradle cap before three months of age. Cradle cap is caused by a problem with the sebaceous glands on the child’s head. Moreover, the symptoms of this condition include small patches of crusty, oily skin, greasy and rough skin, spots appearing mostly on the head, neck, and face, and rough, oily patches raised from the skin of the child.
Figure 01: Cradle Scalp
Cradle cap can be diagnosed through physical examinations and skin biopsies. Furthermore, treatment options for cradle cap may include softening the skin with emollient, washing the baby’s scalp every other day with a mild, fragrance-free shampoo, and avoiding picking at the scales.
What is Dry Scalp?
Dry scalp causes dry, flaky skin on the little one’s head. The skin may appear red or yellowish and feel rough or scaly to the touch. Dead skin also may flake off of the baby’s dry scalp. The causes of the dry scalp may include harsh weather, sunburn on the head of the baby, long baths, usage of shampoos and soaps that are too strong for the skin of the baby, and accidentally failing to rinse all of the shampoos out of hair. Moreover, the symptoms of this condition may include dry skin on the baby’s head, reddish, pinkish, yellowish, or brownish discoloration on the scalp, slight inflammation, and discomfort.
Figure 02: Dry Scalp
Usually, dry scalp can be diagnosed through physical examination. Furthermore, treatment options for dry scalp may include bathing the child regularly, using micellar water in between baths, keeping baths short, making sure bath water is at right temperature, and protecting baby from weather.
Similarities Between Cradle Cap and Dry Scalp
- Cradle scalp and dry scalp are two common conditions in babies.
- Both conditions stem from dryness.
- They are not life threatening in nature.
- Both conditions can be diagnosed through physical examinations and can be treated through home remedies.
Difference Between Cradle Cap and Dry Scalp
Definition
- Cradle cap is a condition characterized by thick white or yellowish, dry, oily scales development on the scalp of babies.
- Dry scalp is a condition characterized by dry skin development on the scalp of babies.
Causes
- Cradle cap can be caused by overactive sebaceous glands or oil glands.
- Dry scalp can be caused by over washing, usage of harsh hair chemicals, humidity drops, and summer heat.
Symptoms
- The symptoms of dry scalp include dry skin flakes and a scaly scalp, slight redness or inflammation around the affected area, and thick brownish or yellowish layers.
- The symptoms of cradle cap include thick, crusty, and oily layers of skin on the baby’s scalp, rough and oily yellow patches or bumps on the baby’s head, and hair loss spots.
Diagnosis
- Cradle cap can be diagnosed through physical examination and skin biopsies.
- Dry scalp can be diagnosed through physical examination.
Treatment
- Cradle cap is treated through by softening the skin with emollient, washing the baby’s scalp every other day with a mild, fragrance-free shampoo and preventing from picking at the scales.
- Dry scalp is treated through bathing the child regularly, using micellar water in between baths, keeping bath short, making sure bath water in right temperature and protecting baby from certain elements such as heat in the summer.
The following table summarizes the difference between cradle cap and dry scalp.
Summary – Cradle Cap vs Dry Scalp
Cradle cap and dry scalp are two common skin conditions mainly affecting the scalp of babies. Dry scalp is a common skin condition characterized by dry skin developed on the scalp. Dry scalp is simply baby dandruff. Cradle cap, on the other hand, is a common skin condition characterized by thick white or yellowish, dry, oily scales on the scalp of the babies instead of dry flakes. Cradle cap is also the common name for infantile seborrheic dermatitis. This summarizes the difference between cradle cap and dry scalp.
FAQ: Cradle Cap and Dry Scalp
1. What causes a cradle cap scalp?
- One cause of cradle cap is hormones that transfer from the mother to the baby before birth. These hormones can overstimulate the baby’s oil glands and hair follicles, leading to the production of excess oil, known as sebum.
2. What is the fastest way to cure cradle cap?
- Cradle cap generally doesn’t require medical treatment. It can clear up on its own within a few months. Recovery time can be enhanced by washing the baby’s hair once a day with mild baby shampoo and brushing the scalp lightly with a soft brush to loosen the scales.
3. What causes dry scalp in babies?
- A dry scalp is a common occurrence for babies, especially during their first year. It can be caused by over washing, usage of harsh hair chemicals, humidity drops and summer heat.
4. What are the indications of dry scalp?
- The main indications for dry scalp include itchy and flaking skin on the scalp. The other indications include reddish, pinkish, yellowish, or brownish discoloration on the little one’s scalp, slight inflammation, and slight discomfort, such as crying.
5. Can dry scalp be cured?
- Baby dandruff can usually be improved by using baby dandruff shampoo, and a dry scalp can be improved by switching to a gentle, non-medicated shampoo. If over-the-counter products don’t do the trick, it’s better to see a board-certified dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Reference:
1. “Cradle Cap: What It Is & Why You Shouldn’t Worry.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. Cherney, Kristeen. “Baby Dry Scalp: Causes, Home Remedies, When to Seek Help.” Healthline, Healthline Media.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Cradle cap Infant 2 months old” By LepoRello – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Nevus sebaceous” By Littlekidsdoc – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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