Do you see white or yellowish flakes on the scalp? Those pesky oily, or dry flakes may cause physical irritation and emotional disturbance in an individual.
Imagine you are in your office, a business meeting, an important event, or with your friends, and those flakes start falling on your shoulders.
How embarrassing this situation could be if those flakes are easily visible and can ruin your dress.
To get rid of this condition, we decided to write a guide on cradle cap when it appears in adults.
But first, it is better to have a basic level of information to deal with it better.
Is it cradle cap in adults?
Seborrheic Dermatitis is what we use to describe flakes and patches. However, cradle cap is a term to describe this condition in children, and dandruff is used to describe its mild form in adults.
It also could be adult seborrheic dermatitis which is more severe than dandruff. It can spread to other body parts and cause oil glands on various body parts to become overactive. However, dandruff can be of two types: oily or dry.
Read the below guide to get a treatment for cradle cap in adults.
How to get rid of it?
First, look at your scalp or other affected area to measure its symptoms.
If the skin is dry, you need treatment, which is good for dryness, and if the scalp is dry, the opposite will work well.
The condition is common, and moderate dandruff can be safely ignored if an individual is comfortable with it. For treatment, see the below ways and follow them as they are.
Take regular baths
Keeping scalp and body parts clean from flakes and greasiness is the first step towards treatment.
For adults, a daily bath is recommended to clean the scalp. Individuals with dryness should take one to two baths per week, depending on the severity of dryness.
Keep the bath time short and use tepid water. Avoid hot or cold showers. It is better to use shampoo for desired results.
Moisturize your scalp
This is for individuals with dry scalp. When you bathe or wash your body parts, use a moisturizer to recover lost moisture. Choose a medically approved moisturizer or one from a trusted brand.
An alternative to moisturizing products is natural oils, but consult a doctor before doing so. Massage the affected area for some minutes to lock in moisture and relax muscles.
Individuals with oily skin should avoid this procedure.
Use a brush
This one is for all affected individuals. Use a brush with soft bristles gently on your scalp to brush out flakes.
Regular brushing will remove flakes without removing hair (if done properly). It is better to massage the scalp with oil before brushing to let it flow smoothly in the hair.
Dry brushing is effective too. If some flakes are not loosening, don’t rub the brush hard. Leave them as they are and follow the next step.
Use a medicated shampoo
A dermatologist-approved shampoo for cradle cap is the best solution for seborrheic dermatitis in adults. This is enough for the treatment if used properly.
Squeeze shampoo and rub it on your scalp and other affected areas for a few minutes, then leave it for a while. Now, rinse with lukewarm water thoroughly to remove residues.
It is recommended that you use it two times within a week for better results. For oily scalp, it can be used daily.
Avoid triggers and allergens
Last but not least, preventive measures should be followed to increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Read the guidelines below:
- Keep your skin away from allergens and irritants.
- Don’t scratch. It can damage skin tissue and also lead to temporary hair loss. Instead, use a brush to remove flakes.
- Never use harsh chemicals and products. Beauty products also contain some chemicals that may induce allergic reactions. So avoid them. Trust only medically approved products.
- Avoid staying for long in heat and direct sunlight. Avoid sweating to reduce the risk of further complications.
- If dandruff is causing dryness, use a moisturizer frequently to keep skin hydrated.
- Reduce stress. It can lead to dandruff flare-ups.
Conclusions
Cradle cap in adults shows similar symptoms to those in children but with slightly less severity.
For mild symptoms, it doesn’t require too much attention. Still, it is better to cure it to avoid further complications.
Follow the best guidelines and avoid those factors that worsen dandruff.
Bath enough, but keep the bath timing short. Use medicated or trusted products only, whether for treatment or regular routine.
Dandruff may increase the urge to scratch, but you must overcome this sensation. Use a brush to remove flakes instead of picking them with your fingers.
Follow the described methods properly to treat cradle cap in adults.