From the Research
The gel cream used to treat cradle cap in babies is a cosmetic non-steroidal gel cream containing piroctone olamine, biosaccharide gum-2, stearyl glycyrrhetinate, and zinc l-pyrrolidone carboxylate. This gel cream has been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of cradle cap in infants, with a significant reduction in erythema and desquamation severity, as well as a reduction in colony-forming unit (CFU) count for Malassezia furfur and Staphylococcus aureus 1. The gel cream is applied twice daily for 30 days, and its tolerability and acceptability are evaluated on a 4-point scale.
Some key points to consider when using this gel cream include:
- Applying a small amount to the baby's wet scalp
- Gently massaging in circular motions
- Rinsing thoroughly
- Using the gel cream daily until the cradle cap improves, typically within a week or two
- Using a soft baby brush to gently loosen the scales before rinsing
It's also important to note that cradle cap is a benign and self-limiting condition that typically resolves on its own by the time the baby is a year old. However, if the cradle cap is severe or doesn't improve with over-the-counter treatments, it's best to consult a pediatrician for further guidance 2, 3. Additionally, other treatments such as LOYON(®) have also been shown to be effective in facilitating the removal of scaling in infants and children with cradle cap 4.