Article: Allow the oil or jelly to soak in for 15 minutes. This will soften and loosen the crusts, making them easier to remove.  Because chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, including the scalp, be sure to read the manufacturers’ labels on the products to be sure that they are safe for babies. Don’t leave the oil/jelly on the baby, because this will make the crusts sticky and prevent them from naturally coming off. Coconut oil and shea butter are common natural remedies that can be applied.  Don’t use olive oil because it may encourage the growth of skin yeasts, or malassezia, and this may make the cradle cap worse.  Wash the oil off with warm water. This will also remove any natural oils that may have built up and caused dead skin cells to stick to the scalp, forming scales.  While shampooing gently massage the scalp to soften and loosen the scales. This can be done with your fingers, a washcloth, or a soft bristled baby brush. Don't scrub your baby's skin too hard, or you could irritate it. Don’t use dandruff shampoos because they may contain chemicals that aren’t recommended for babies and could be absorbed through the skin. This would only cause further irritation.  Thoroughly rinse all of the shampoo out of the baby’s hair to prevent irritation and if necessary, shampoo the baby daily. Strands of hair may come away with the flakes, but the hair will grow back. Don’t pick at the scales as this may cause an open wound which will make the baby vulnerable to an infection. Brushing the flakes out will be easiest after the bath when the baby is dry. When the flakes are wet, they will stick to the hair.
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Rub a small amount of mineral oil, baby oil, or petroleum jelly into the scaly patches. Shampoo the baby gently with a mild baby shampoo to remove the oil/jelly and scales. Brush the loosened flakes out of the baby’s hair with a soft brush.