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Suggest Treatment For Dry Scaly Rashes On The Scalp In A Child

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Posted on Tue, 19 Jul 2016
Question: Hi Doctor,

My son is 6 months old and recently we are seeing dry crusty scale on his head.
He never had this before after birth.

Should we get him examined by a pediatrician or will it get cured by itself.

Thanks,
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
It may be seborrhea capitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Dry scaly lesions over the scalp is very common in infancy.It is due to increased production of sebum by the glands or infection with the fungus (Malassezia furfur spp).
It is a self limiting condition and there is not much to worry.In most of the cases it gets improved with conservative treatment.
I would suggest you to apply oil (coconut or olive oil,Baby oils can also be used)over the scalp during bed time ,leave it overnight for loosening of scales.Wash the scalp in morning with mild baby shampoo.Do this 3-4 times a week.
If there is no improvement consult your physician for evaluation.Antifungal or mild steroid cream helps in such condition.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any doubts.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2074 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Dry Scaly Rashes On The Scalp In A Child

Brief Answer: It may be seborrhea capitis Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query Dry scaly lesions over the scalp is very common in infancy.It is due to increased production of sebum by the glands or infection with the fungus (Malassezia furfur spp). It is a self limiting condition and there is not much to worry.In most of the cases it gets improved with conservative treatment. I would suggest you to apply oil (coconut or olive oil,Baby oils can also be used)over the scalp during bed time ,leave it overnight for loosening of scales.Wash the scalp in morning with mild baby shampoo.Do this 3-4 times a week. If there is no improvement consult your physician for evaluation.Antifungal or mild steroid cream helps in such condition. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any doubts. Regards