OTC - cradlecap

Question 1

Cradle cap symptoms?

Answer 1

• Greasy yellow scales on scalp
• Starts in infancy before the age of 6 months
• Self limiting; clears up after a few weeks or months
• As scales flake off, skin underneath may look red

Question 2

Referral criteria?

Answer 2

• severe, cradle cap on face/body
• swelling, scratching, bleeding (atopic eczema)
• infected/inflamed (requires antibiotic or antifungal shampoo?)

Question 3

OTC product?

Answer 3

• baby shampoo and use soft brush as a daily routine to help loosen scales
• olive oil BP - apply to the scalp overnight to soften scales. Gently brush the following morning and wash with baby shampoo

PRODUCTS:

• capsal shampoo - contains salicylic acid and coal tar* allowed in babies?
• nizoral dandruff shampoo (ketoconazole)

Question 4

Advice?

Answer 4

• common and harmless
• not contagious or caused by lack of hygeine or allergies
• do not pick scales - may cause infection