Crusts on a child's head

Scalp problems occur frequently in children. You shouldn’t be afraid of this: these layers look unsightly, but do not cause much discomfort to babies. However, they need to be treated to prevent the disease from developing.   To do this, you first need to find out the reasons for the appearance of crusts on the head.

Crusts on a child’s head: causes

The main reason for the formation of crusts is the so-called seborrheic dermatitis. Children's skin is very delicate, so they are prone to skin disorders. In young children, the sebaceous glands are actively working and do not sweat enough, but as the baby grows, the situation normalizes. Seborrhea often occurs in infants, but sometimes children under 14 years of age also suffer from it. It can be caused by various factors:

• Fluctuations in hormonal levels.
• Hereditary predisposition (sometimes this disease can be transmitted from parents).
• Lack of vitamins in the body, especially vitamin B.
• Disorders of the nervous system or thyroid gland (in older children).
• Overheating of the head or, conversely, hypothermia.

The reasons for the development of seborrhea should also be looked for among the products that are used to wash the child: they may contain allergic additives.

As for the lesions, they can occur in different ways, since they depend on the location of the sebaceous glands. Depending on the form of seborrheic dermatitis, your baby may also develop bald spots or red spots.

Crusts on the head of a 5 year old child

It also happens that children do not have crusts in infancy, but later, for example, at the age of five, they appear. Such peeling is very frightening for caring parents, but they can occur for natural reasons.

Their appearance can be caused by poor hygiene, disruption of the sebaceous glands caused by infectious diseases of the mother during pregnancy, or problems with hormones. Usually the crust is very dense and has a gray or yellowish tint. You should not try to remove it so as not to damage the skin.

The best way to deal with the problem is to use well-sterilized oil, which you need to carefully lubricate the affected areas, then put on a cap and leave for 15-20 minutes. Vaseline or salicylic ointment are also suitable for this purpose. At the end of the procedure, you need to wash the child’s hair well and remove the remaining crusts. A comb made of natural material with sparse teeth is suitable for combing, and you can remove any remaining crusts with a soft brush.

How to remove crusts on a child's head

The main way you can’t do without in the fight against scabs is combing. In addition, you will need a special product, such as a children's exfoliating cream. The child's head should be washed well, patted with a towel and applied to the entire surface of the head. The cream should be left on the head overnight under a cap made of natural material. In the morning, you should comb out all the crusts well, rinse and dry your hair.

If this does not help, it is better to consult a doctor who will examine the child and prescribe therapeutic treatment.

To avoid relapse, great attention should be paid to the prevention of dermatitis. Try using a special antiseborrheic shampoo, it helps reduce the activity of the fungus and relieve skin inflammation.

You should also avoid washing your hair too often. This causes dry skin, which activates the sebaceous glands and can cause thickening of the crusts.

Do not wrap children too much in warm clothes when this is not necessary: ​​sweating can provoke the development of seborrhea.

It is very important to regularly examine the child’s head for peeling, itching, and allergic reactions. Together with your pediatrician, you should select a good drying cream for your child.

Since the appearance of dermatitis is sometimes associated with allergies, it is recommended to create a special diet. It is necessary to exclude from the menu foods that cause a negative reaction in the body: fatty foods, sweets, flour. It is imperative to increase your consumption of foods containing vitamins A, B and C.

Timely treatment and regular prevention will help your child get rid of this disease.