Why Does Cradle Cap Smell? (Everything You Need To Know)

Cradle cap affects millions of babies, toddlers and sometimes even adults in all countries around the world. It is a concern to many parents and people globally wondering how to deal with cradle cap.

Here Is Why Cradle Cap Smells:

To put it simply, bacteria is the reason for any bad odour. This smell can be removed or taken away by washing with soap and water, and then applying a baby cream or oil to loosen the cradle cap.

In this article we are doing to discuss thoroughly how exactly and why cradle cap smells, why people think cradle cap smells sour or musty, and how you should go about getting rid of it. Thanks for reading.

Why Does Cradle Cap Smell?

Cradle cap smells bad because of the oils and sweat that it produces. The smell is caused by a type of bacteria that grows in the sebum, or oil, on the scalp.

This bacteria can cause a bad odour, as well as redness and scaling on the scalp.

Treatment for cradle cap usually includes cleaning the affected area with a mild soap and water, followed by a application of baby oil or olive oil/baby cream to help loosen the scales.

Does Cradle Cap Smell Sour?

Cradle cap is a type of Seborrheic dermatitis, babies experience this on their scalp.

It causes scaly patches to form on the scalp, and these patches can often produce an oily or waxy substance called sebum. This sebum can cause the scalp to smell sour.

In fact, it’s common for babies to develop cradle cap due to an overproduction of sebum, which usually indicates that the baby’s oil glands are developing.

However, doctors do recommend treating cradle cap as soon as it appears because it can lead to hair loss if left untreated for too long.

There are many things that can cause a smell to occur in the hair, whether it be the hair itself or the sebum in the follicle.

A person with cradle cap will generally have thick yellowish scales on their scalp which are dry skin cells that are blocking the hair follicles.

Sometimes this may smell musty due to bacteria being present in the scales, or sour if the sebum is breaking down and producing an acidic smell.

The best way to get rid of cradle cap is to gently scrub the scalp with a baby shampoo and then rinse off the suds. If the condition does not improve after a few days, it is best to consult with a doctor.

Three reasons why your babies cradle cap may smell:

1. These conditions are genetic and other family members may also show symptoms.
2. Another possible cause is the use of lotions containing harsh chemicals that dry out the skin. If you suspect that your child’s cradle cap is due to one of these reasons, it is best to discontinue using the products and wait for the condition to clear up.
3. In some cases, cradle cap may be caused by a yeast infection. If this is the case, your doctor will likely prescribe an antifungal medication.

Does Cradle Cap Smell Like Vomit?

Some people say that cradle cap smells like vomit, but this is not always the case. The smell of cradle cap can vary from person to person, and even from day to day.

Some people find the smell to be unpleasant, while others find it to be more mild or tolerable. If you are concerned about the smell of your child’s cradle cap, talk with your child’s pediatrician for more information.

If you find your babies Cradle Cap smells like vomit there are ways around it.

It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, resulting in patches of crusty yellow or brown stuff that can smell pretty bad. Sometimes its just scaly but sometimes it gets really thick and greasy too.

There are some ingredients you can buy at the pharmacy to remove it if you feel confident enough to do it yourself at home, or you can go to your doctor and they might prescribe a medicated shampoo.

If it gets bad enough, the doctor may have to shave the baby’s head. A baby cream is recommended for daily use (See Mr Bees Manuka Baby Care Gold in Shop).

How Do You Get Rid Of Cradle Cap Smell?

Cradle cap can be caused by hormones. You may notice your baby gets it right after they have a growth spurt or sometime when they start crawling.

It can spread to other areas on the body if left untreated. The best way to prevent this from happening is to keep their bedding clean. Also, there are shampoo/oils that can be used to help get rid of the cradle cap.

If you notice your baby has Cradle Cap on their scalp do the following:

Wash your babies hair with a mild shampoo once or twice a day. Look for a natural shampoo (without chemicals).

Once it is removed apply baby care gold onto the affected area of skin and let it sit for about 20 minutes.

Gently remove the cradle cap off with a baby brush or a toothbrush. Then rinse the area with warm water and dry it off.

Please note: It is ok to leave the cradle cap without removing anything. Many times just with cream it will disappear on it’s own. Here is a good article on how cradle cap can block hair growth.