Bushra Griffith
Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects up to 70% of infants, and it is characterised by a buildup of dead skin cells that stick to the baby's skin. Cradle cap usually appears on the baby's head, but it can also show up on the forehead, eyebrows, ears, diaper area, and other parts of the body. Cradle cap can cause an oily scent, and in some cases, it can progress to a yeast infection with a pungent odour. While cradle cap is generally harmless and tends to disappear by the baby's first birthday, it is important to maintain good hygiene and seek medical advice if there are any concerns.
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What You'll Learn
Cradle cap
To treat cradle cap, gently massage a few drops of olive oil or coconut oil onto the baby's scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse with a gentle baby shampoo and brush the baby's hair with a cradle cap brush or a fine-toothed comb. It is important to rinse the oil off and not leave it on overnight, as it can clog the oil glands and worsen the condition. Washing the baby's hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo two to three times a week can also help reduce the chances of developing cradle cap.
While cradle cap is generally not itchy or painful, severe cases can cause itchiness and discomfort. In babies, itchiness may present as excessive fussiness, or the baby may rub their head on nearby objects. Severe cases of cradle cap can also lead to hair loss, but the hair will grow back quickly once the rash is resolved.
The exact cause of cradle cap is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the mother's hormones and the baby's body adjusting to its new environment. It is important to note that cradle cap is not an indication of poor hygiene or future allergy issues.
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Oily scalp
A baby's head can sometimes smell like cheese due to a variety of reasons. One common reason could be cradle cap, a skin condition that shows up as a greasy, scaly, or flaky rash on the scalp, behind the ears, eyebrows, forehead, or upper torso. Cradle cap can have a distinctive smell, ranging from a mild oily scent to a pungent odour similar to stale bread, indicating a yeast infection.
Now, let's focus on the topic of oily scalp and how it relates to the cheese-like smell in babies. An oily scalp, characterised by excess sebum production, can contribute to the cheese-like odour. This is often associated with cradle cap, as mentioned earlier. Cradle cap occurs when the scalp produces too much oil, trapping skin flakes and preventing their natural shedding, resulting in the characteristic yellow scales. The buildup of oil on the scalp can emit an unpleasant cheese-like odour.
To address an oily scalp in babies with cradle cap, several treatments can be considered. One approach is to use natural oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil, to provide a moisture barrier. These oils help soften the skin flakes, making them easier to remove. However, it is crucial to rinse the oil off with a gentle baby shampoo to avoid clogging the oil glands further, which could worsen the condition.
Additionally, choosing the right hair care products is essential. "Clarifying" shampoos are designed to prevent the buildup of hair products and excess oils, helping to keep the scalp clean and fresh. Look for ingredients like apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, which are known for their ability to balance the scalp's oil production. It may also be beneficial to take a break from using hair products temporarily to give the scalp a chance to recover.
In some cases, dietary factors may influence the occurrence of an oily scalp. Keeping a food diary and noting any changes in the scalp's smell can help identify potential triggers. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before making any drastic dietary changes or trying new treatments, especially for infants.
By addressing the underlying causes of an oily scalp and following appropriate treatment methods, the cheese-like smell associated with cradle cap can be effectively managed, ensuring the comfort and well-being of the baby.
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Yeast infection
A baby's head may smell like cheese due to a yeast infection caused by cradle cap. Cradle cap is a common skin condition that affects up to 70% of infants and typically appears within the first three weeks of life. It is characterised by a buildup of dead skin cells that form small patches of crusty, flaky skin on the scalp, which may also be greasy or scaly. While cradle cap is usually harmless and tends to disappear by the baby's first birthday, it can sometimes progress to a yeast infection. This can cause an unpleasant cheese-like odour, similar to stale bread.
If you suspect that your baby's cradle cap has become infected, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice. In the meantime, there are several steps you can take to manage cradle cap and reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash your baby's hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo two to three times a week. Massage the shampoo gently onto their wet head, leave it on for a minute or two, and then rinse thoroughly.
- Use natural oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil, to provide a moisture barrier for the baby's scalp. Massage a few drops of oil onto the affected areas, then rinse with a gentle baby shampoo and water. Avoid leaving the oil on the scalp overnight, as this can clog the oil glands and worsen the condition.
- Ensure that you regularly clean areas that are prone to milk and sweat buildup, such as the neck, face, and behind the ears.
- Consider using a cradle cap brush to gently brush away loose skin flakes.
- Include foods rich in biotin, a B vitamin important for healthy skin, in your diet if you are breastfeeding. If you are concerned about a biotin deficiency, consult your healthcare provider about taking a biotin supplement.
It is important to note that cradle cap is not a result of poor hygiene and is believed to be related to the baby's body adjusting to its new environment. While it can be concerning to see flaky and irritated skin on your baby's scalp, it is typically not itchy or painful, and any hair loss associated with severe cases will grow back quickly once the rash resolves.
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Baby shampoo
A baby's head can sometimes smell like cheese due to a variety of reasons. One common reason is milk residue, which can get trapped in the folds of the baby's neck and emit a cheesy odour as it dries and mixes with bacteria. This can be addressed by carefully cleaning the baby's neck folds and ensuring they are dry to prevent irritation from trapped moisture.
Another potential cause of the cheese-like smell is cradle cap, a skin condition characterised by flaky skin and yellow crusty scales on the scalp. Cradle cap is typically not harmful and often goes away on its own within the first 12 months of a baby's life. However, in some cases, cradle cap can become infected and develop an unpleasant odour. To manage cradle cap, it is recommended to use natural oils such as coconut or almond oil, gently comb or brush out the flakes, and then shampoo. While frequent shampooing can irritate the scalp and make cradle cap worse, shampooing two to three times a week is generally recommended.
Additionally, the cheesy smell could be related to the baby spitting up after drinking milk or a combination of sweating and spitting up. In such cases, ensuring that the baby is properly wiped and bathed after spitting up can help alleviate the smell.
It is important to note that a baby's sense of smell is heightened, and what may seem like a strong cheese-like odour to them might not be as noticeable to others.
If the cheese-like smell persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and recommendations.
To address the cheesy smell on a baby's head, here are some specific tips related to baby shampoo:
- Opt for gentle, antifungal baby shampoos: Look for baby shampoos with natural, antifungal properties to help balance the scalp and address any potential fungal issues. Avoid conventional dandruff shampoos that may contain harsh ingredients.
- Shampooing frequency: While frequent shampooing can irritate the scalp and make cradle cap worse, it is generally recommended to shampoo two to three times per week. This can help manage the buildup of oil on the scalp, which may be contributing to the cheese-like smell.
- Natural remedies: Before shampooing, consider using natural oils like coconut or almond oil. Massage the oil into the scalp, wait about 15 minutes, and then gently comb or brush out any flakes. You can also use a special cradle cap brush or a new toothbrush with gentle bristles.
- Homemade shampoo: If you prefer a DIY approach, you can make a homemade cradle cap shampoo using apple cider vinegar, which has probiotic and antifungal properties. Massage the vinegar into the scalp, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse before shampooing.
- Avoid baby oil: While oil treatments can be beneficial, avoid using baby oil as it can block skin pores and irritate the scalp, potentially making cradle cap worse.
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Baby's neck folds
The cheesy smell coming from your baby's head is likely due to cradle cap, a common skin condition that affects up to 70% of infants. It is characterised by dry, flaky or scaly patches on the scalp and can sometimes be found on other parts of the body, including the neck. While cradle cap is generally harmless and usually disappears by the baby's first birthday, it can sometimes get infected, leading to a yeast infection. If you notice any redness, irritation, or a pungent odour, it is recommended to consult your baby's doctor.
To address the cradle cap and improve the smell, you can try the following:
- Wash your baby's hair and scalp with a gentle shampoo two to three times a week. Massage the shampoo gently onto their wet head, leave it on for a few minutes, and then gently rinse.
- Use natural oils like olive oil or coconut oil to provide a moisture barrier for your baby's scalp. Massage a few drops of oil onto the affected area, rinse with a gentle baby shampoo, and brush away the softened skin flakes. Remember to rinse the oil off and not leave it on overnight, as it can clog the oil glands and worsen the condition.
- Consult your doctor about taking a biotin supplement, especially if you are breastfeeding and suspect you may have a biotin deficiency. Biotin is important for healthy skin, and some believe it can help treat cradle cap.
Now, let's focus on the neck folds:
Baby neck cheese, also known as milk neck, is a common issue, especially for newborns and infants younger than four to six months. It is caused by the constant rubbing of skin folds in the neck area, which can lead to irritation. The warm, wet environment created by trapped drool, milk spills, spit-up, and sweat can further contribute to the development of neck cheese.
To prevent and address neck cheese:
- Pay close attention to the hygiene of your baby's neck folds. Gently clean the affected area after each feeding using a soft cloth with warm water, a squirty bottle, or a damp washcloth. Ensure that the area is thoroughly dried by patting it with a soft towel. You may need to spot clean and pat dry multiple times a day, especially after feeds.
- Use natural drying agents like baby powder, arrowroot flour, or cornstarch to keep the neck folds dry and prevent the accumulation of moisture.
- Apply natural remedies like coconut oil or vegetable oil to soothe and protect the skin. These oils can help create a barrier and prevent further irritation.
- Consider using baby lotion or Vaseline to moisturise and protect the skin, keeping the area soft and supple.
- Regularly change your baby's clothing, especially if it becomes milk-stained or soaked with drool. This will help maintain dryness and reduce the chances of neck cheese forming.
- Use bibs or burp cloths to catch any milk, spit-up, or drool before it reaches the neck folds. Bandana bibs, for example, can be both cute and functional.
- If neck creases become red, irritated, or show signs of bleeding, be very gentle when cleaning and drying the area, as the skin may be beginning to split. Consult your doctor if you notice any yeast infection or skin irritation that does not improve with home care.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheesy smell could be caused by cradle cap, a common skin condition that affects up to 70% of infants. It is characterised by a buildup of dead skin cells that can result in a cheesy odour.
Cradle cap is a type of rash that usually appears on a baby's scalp, but can also occur behind the ears, on the eyebrows, forehead, and upper torso. It is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells that form patches of crusty skin that feel hard and rough to the touch.
No, cradle cap is completely harmless and not contagious. It usually disappears by the time a baby turns one.
To treat cradle cap, you can try using olive oil or coconut oil to provide a moisture barrier for your baby's scalp. Massage a few drops of oil onto the affected area, leave it on for a few minutes, and then gently rinse with a gentle baby shampoo. You can also try washing your baby's hair with a gentle shampoo 2-3 times a week to reduce the buildup of skin cells.
If you notice a pungent odour similar to stale bread, it could indicate that the cradle cap has progressed to a yeast infection and you should consult your baby's doctor.
