Need natural Cradle Cap help for an 8 yr old!

[DaughterOfKali]

My son is 8.  That's 8 years, not months.  He has terrible cradle cap still.  Docs don't typically call it cradle cap at this age (they usually just say dandruff) but my son's is still the thick, scaly chunks that is classic cradle cap.

I've tried oils, lotions, dandruff shampoo, apple cider vinegar, essential oils...but nothing is working!  He recently chose to get his hair cut pretty short and the flakes (chunks) are super noticeable.  

Anyone have any other suggestions?  I'm hoping to find a natural product to help clear it up.  Please leave a comment, even if you tried something extreme (but safe), controversial, or embarrassing! 

Thanks!

[MaryElizabeth]

Just a thought, have you tried Jojoba oil? we used this for a couple of weeks with my nephew (older as well!) and massaged it in really well with a loofa like scrubber. Also he didn't "wash" his hair with soap/shampoo for this time as well. He still battles the dry scalp issue but can maintain it now with specialty shampoo products.

[jksmith]

At this age, and with such bad flaking, you might actually be looking at psoriasis.

[hram]

My dd, who is almost 4, still has it. But what I have noticed in the last few months is not washing her hair with shampoo has helped the most, to the point I think its pretty much gone. When she bathes, she wets her hair and scrubs it like if she were washing, just iwth no shampoo. If there is anything left, I just take a small toothed comb and try and scrape a bit off. I think it has to do with shampoo overdrying the scalp and then to compensate you make more sebum and it builds up. So really, my opinion is shampoo may be making it worse.

Both of my kids, almost 4 & 7, dont use soap or shampoo in the tub ever during the winter and only occasionally in the summer. I also notice that they dont have that sweaty kid smell either. But they do like to use epsom salt in the tub sometimes.

[DaughterOfKali]

Originally Posted by MaryElizabeth 

Just a thought, have you tried Jojoba oil? 

Yep, I've tried soo many different kinds of oils (except nut oils as we are allergic.)
 

Originally Posted by jksmith 

At this age, and with such bad flaking, you might actually be looking at psoriasis.

I was wondering about that.  I should make an appt with the pediatrician.

 

Originally Posted by hram 

My dd, who is almost 4, still has it. But what I have noticed in the last few months is not washing her hair with shampoo has helped the most, to the point I think its pretty much gone. 

I've tried going the no shampoo route but was surprised that it didn't make a difference.  

I'm wondering if our very hard water is making it worse.

[jksmith]

I'm sure you've already tried this, but for my baby's cradle cap I bought a super high-quality tee-tree shampoo and conditioner and it seems to be keeping it under control for now, with weekly brushing.

If it is psoriasis, than external treatments are pretty much useless, as it's actually an immune problem. Although moisturizing can keep the flakes down. The wikipedia page actually has some good suggestions for alternative treatments.

I know that stress can big one for skin problems in kids... both my husband and sister suffer from eczema that began in elementary school when they were under stress because they were both very shy and sensitive and had conflicts with teachers and other kids. My sister even had an outbreak of shingles around the same time.

Good luck!

[DaughterOfKali]

Yep, I've tried 2 different TT shampoo's and even diluted TTO.  I'll check out the wikipedia page though.  Thanks!

[MamitaM]

Is coconut a nut? I've been using coconut oil on my sons cradle cap and it's really cleared up a lot.

[jksmith]

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali 

Yep, I've tried 2 different TT shampoo's

I found that the conditioner made the biggest difference. Originally I only had the shampoo which kept leaving it dry and flaky after.
 

[DaughterOfKali]

I'm going to pick up some coconut oil next time I'm at WF.  

[LionessMom]

my son has this problem still and he is 15. he washes his hair everyday with head and shoulders. but mine has gotten to the point where it is psoriasis. i had to get special oils to put on my hair and prescription shampoo to fell better. but in the long run i have to change my diet to make it better. i just found out that i am fructose intolerant. eating stuff you are intolerant too can increase an immune system respone.... on your scalp. i would check into food intolerances for your child. all of my children have this stuff on their scalp. i have decided to get them all tested for fructose intolerance as well.

[MsFortune]

I agree with PP - make sure it is not psorasis.

Then I'd start to hit it with two dandruff shampoos - alternate head and shoulders and T gel every time he washes his hair.  Not natural, but effective.

[DaughterOfKali]

Doc told me not to use dandruff shampoos on it as it often makes cradle cap worse.

I really only want to try natural products at this point.

[edensong]

If the virgin coconut oil doesn't work, here's a suggestion:

1 oz calendula oil

.1 oz Vit E (or 1 capsule)

10 drops geranium EO

5 drops lavender EO

2 to 5 drops German chamomile EO

Massage into scalp; leave in overnight.  Use soft brush to remove flakes.

Just remember than natural cures often take longer than others.

[DaughterOfKali]

Sorry for not checking this sooner!

It hasn't been as bad lately but he goes through phases where it's pretty chunky.  Went to doc and doc said to continue with the natural products.  He gave me a prescription (for an over the counter shampoo which no one seems to carry) to use on occasion (once every 6 or 8 weeks) if I feel the need.