Milk crust in babies: questions and answers

Is seborrheic dermatitis and milk crust the same? How is it treated? How long does it take to disappear? In Guiainfantil.com we solve all your doubts about the seborrheic dermatitis, that is, those white scales that appear in the head of the baby and that can produce itching and irritability. Questi

Is seborrheic dermatitis and milk crust the same? How is it treated? How long does it take to disappear? In Guiainfantil.com we solve all your doubts about the seborrheic dermatitis, that is, those white scales that appear in the head of the baby and that can produce itching and irritability.

Questions and answers about the milk crust in the baby ¿- Is the seborrheic dermatitis and the milk crust the same?

Indeed, the term "milk crust" is the common name of seborrheic dermatitis, when it affects the head of a baby.

- What are their causes?

They are not known exactly. There is speculation about the possible role of an increase in the production of fat by the skin of some babies. It has also been implicated in its appearance to a fungus, called Malassezia furfur, although this fact is not proven in children.

- Is it frequent?

Indeed. It can affect, according to the series consulted, 5-30% of babies.

- At what age does it appear?

Between 2 and 8 weeks of life. That is, in children under two months.

- What are your symptoms?

The milk crust consists of the appearance of a thick, whitish-yellowish "scale" on the baby's scalp. These same scabs can also come out on other hairy areas, with eyebrows. In turn, they can affect: the back of the ears, the nasal fold, the back area of ​​the neck, the diaper area and the armpits. Next to the scales, we will see in the skin reddened areas and areas of desquamation. The baby may show irritability, itching.

- How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis is made by the clinic. We must take into account the age of the baby, as well as the characteristics and distribution of the injuries.

- What is your treatment?

Most of the cases produce few symptoms, and do not need any type of treatment. If the baby is very upset, or the aesthetic effect is important, we must go to our trusted pediatrician. Topical corticosteroids of moderate potency for 3-5 days are the treatment of choice. To improve the crusted lesions of the scalp, it is necessary to dissolve them with keratolytic products (such as salicylic vaseline) or with oily agents (olive oil).

- Is it a contagious process?

The milk crust per se is not spread, unless the lesions are overinfected by germs.

- Should we bathe these babies every day?

It is not accurate. Moreover, it is advised not to do it daily. We have to use an oatmeal soap, the bath should not be very long, and we will dry them by contact, without "rubbing" them much.

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What is the course of the milk crust? Recurrent. This is: you have to have a little patience. The infantile form of seborrheic dermatitis disappears at 3 months of age.