What Is Baby Dandruff?

Baby dandruff is one type of infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It is one of many types of dry scalp that is common for babies.

Dandruff is white, dry, and sometimes itchy. Dandruff may be genetic. If you have dry skin, your baby could have dry skin, too. Cold weather and low humidity can also worsen dandruff.

Over-washing your baby’s skin doesn’t cause dandruff. But if your baby has this condition, you may want to shampoo their scalp less frequently. This can help keep the dryness from getting worse.

Cradle Cap Is Another Scalp Condition

One of the most common types of dry scalp seen in babies is cradle cap. It’s also called infantile seborrheic dermatitis.

Though the exact cause isn’t known, cradle cap is thought to be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Another attributed cause is the overgrowth of Malassezia fungi in sebum (oil) underneath the skin.

Cradle cap causes thick, oily patches on the scalp that may range from white to yellow in color. If your baby has cradle cap on the scalp, they may also have these patches in other oily areas of the body, such as their armpits, groin, and ears.

Brushing with a soft brush like the Bean-b-Clean {link} can help remove the crustiness and give your baby’s scalp a gentle massage.

Allegies and Dry Scalp

Allergies can also cause your baby to have a dry scalp. If the dry scalp is accompanied by a red, itchy rash, allergies may be the cause.

Again, this is best alleviated by shampooing their scalp less frequently. This can help keep the dryness from getting worse.