What does gneiss look like?
Usually it all begins at 2–6 weeks of life: yellowish or whitish fatty scales appear on the top of the head and around the fontanelle, which stick together into dense crusts and adhere tightly to the skin. The skin underneath is usually not inflamed or slightly pink. Sometimes similar scales are visible on the eyebrows, behind the ears, in the nasolabial folds and in the skin folds of the neck. Unlike atopic dermatitis, gneiss is almost not accompanied by itching, and the child behaves calmly. The hair does not fall out: it can separate along with the crust if it is torn off.
- Yellow, greasy scales on the crown and fontanelle
- The crusts adhere tightly to the skin
- The skin underneath is usually not inflamed
- Sometimes the eyebrows, area behind the ears, folds are affected
- No or minimal itching
- Onset at 2–6 weeks of life
Why does it appear
The main reason is the temporary increased activity of the child’s sebaceous glands, which is supported by maternal hormones that reach him before birth. Excess sebum creates conditions for the growth of yeast-like fungi of the genus Malassezia, a common inhabitant of the skin, and the skin responds with increased exfoliation. It is important to understand what is not on this list: gneiss is not caused by poor hygiene, mom's diet, improper formula, or allergies. Overheating, infrequent hair washing and tight hats can intensify the symptoms, but are not the root cause.
- Increased activity of the sebaceous glands in the first months
- Influence of maternal hormones
- Growth of yeast-like fungi Malassezia
- Overheating and constant wearing of a hat
- Rarely wash your hair
- Not related to allergies or maternal diet
How is it different from other conditions?
Atopic dermatitis begins more often after 3 months, accompanied by severe itching, restlessness of the child, dry skin and damage to the cheeks and extensor surfaces of the extremities. Fungal infection of the scalp produces patches of broken hair and areas of baldness. Psoriasis in infants is rare and manifests itself as clear plaques with silvery scales. Scabies is accompanied by severe itching, especially at night, and rashes on the hands and folds. If the rash is widespread, combined with poor weight gain and diarrhea, you need to see a doctor to rule out rarer causes.
- Atopic dermatitis - itching, dryness, lesions of the cheeks
- Fungal infection - areas of baldness and broken hair
- Psoriasis - clear plaques with silvery scales
- Scabies - night itching and rashes on the hands
- Common forms require a doctor's examination
How to care for and remove crusts
The tactics are simple and soft. 30–60 minutes before bathing, apply a little baby or vegetable oil to the crusts to soften them. Then the head is washed with mild baby shampoo and the scales are carefully combed out with a brush with soft bristles in the direction of hair growth. The remaining crusts are not torn off: they will be removed next time. Repeat the procedure several times a week. The oil must be washed off, otherwise it creates a film on its own. They wash their hair regularly, not once a week, and do not wrap the child up. You cannot rip off the scabs with your fingernails or a comb - this will injure the skin and open the way for infection.
- Apply oil for 30–60 minutes before bathing
- Wash your hair with mild baby shampoo
- Brush gently with a soft bristle brush.
- Be sure to wash off the oil
- Wash your hair regularly, do not wrap your child up
- Do not remove crusts with your fingernails or a comb.
- Repeat several times a week without haste
When do you need a doctor and treatment?
In most cases, home care is enough, and by 6–12 months everything goes away without a trace. A doctor is needed if the lesions become red, wet, pustules and odor appear, if the lesion spreads to the face, torso and folds, if the child is restless and itchy, and also if the crusts persist after a year. In such cases, a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist may prescribe a special shampoo with an antifungal component or a short course of a topical agent. Any medicated shampoos and ointments are used only as prescribed by a doctor: the baby’s skin easily absorbs the drugs.
- Consult a doctor if there is inflammation or weeping
- See a specialist if the rash spreads
- Assess the child's condition for itching and restlessness
- Antifungal shampoos for their intended purpose only
- External remedies for a short course under the supervision of a doctor
- Do not use adult anti-dandruff shampoos