Cradle cap - what parent isn’t familiar with this common but often unsightly skin condition? Ranging from white flaky patches to a thick waxy yellow crust, cradle cap is actually a form of dermatitis called seborrheic dermatitis.

Cradle cap, despite the name, can affect children and adults of all ages, although it’s more commonly called dandruff when it appears on a teenagers or adults scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis is inflammation of the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin. Sebaceous glands play an important role in skin protection – they produce a greasy substance called sebum. Sebum is a complex lipid comprising of fatty acids and keratin that forms an oily or waxy protective layer on the surface of your skin. This secretion is responsible for keeping the skin (and scalp) moist, flexible, and ‘waterproof.’

Cradle cap in young babies is not usually painful or itchy and usually clears by itself after 12 months. However, it can cause irritation and redding of the skin underneath the crust and can sometimes become infected. In many cases the cradle cap is persistent and returns for months or even years despite being removed, in other cases the cradle cap appears on the face, around the eyes and eyebrows.

If the cradle cap starts to look irritated or weepy, the first step should always be to see your GP or paediatrician for advice.

Dandruff it isn't contagious or serious, but it can be unsightly, embarrassing, and difficult to treat.

A safe and natural way to remove unsightly cradle cap and dandruff is by using our Nature’s Pond healing balm.

Customers have had remarkable success with this method: apply healing balm to the affected area on the scalp and gently massage in to loosen the flakes and scales, leave for several hours or overnight before gently combing through the hair to lift and remove the flakes. Shampoo afterwards as per normal. The gentle healing properties of Kawakawa, Manuka, Kanuka and Tarata soothe the scalp while also providing antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties which all help to calm inflammation and heal the skin.

As well as being fantastic for removing cradle cap our healing balm has a range of other uses. It will treat and sooth wounds, insect bites, sores, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, cracked heels, cuts, cold sores and rashes. 

We feel fortunate to have access to these healing New Zealand natives and the soothing properties they give. The benefit to our family has been incredible - read about my daughter Amber’s journey with psoriasis here – it’s why we started Natures Pond!  Our products are handcrafted with love using 100% natural ingredients (no nasties here!). You can check out our range of products here.

With healing love,

Sally at Natures Pond x