Cradle Cap in Adults?

[laydeechaz]

I know Cradle Cap is used for babie's that have it but i just cannot remember the real name for it.
Anyways my mum seems to have it and she's in her late 40's.
The first time she got it was a few months ago, it started off with a severe itchy scalp and red itchy spots on her neck/back, then she woke up with a shock, her scalp was covered in yellow crust, it was awful she was so distressed, i had to get it out with a nit comb. That time she was suffering from stress.
Now once again it's happening, the weather here in England has been 30c and she works in a School kitchen with no air con so you can imagine how hot it is for her. Her upper back and neck are red and covered in spots that look like a heat rash, and now the yellow crusting has started, her hair is so sweaty at work and in bed which doesn't help, she's really upset with it, she is trying e45 but it hasn't done alot.
What can she do? Is this Cradle Cap?
Thanks .x.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From the symptoms it sounds like seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes flaky,dry, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas esp under the nose or anywhere on face and scalp. You can treat flaking and dryness with over-the-counter dandruff or medicated shampoos. Shampoo the hair vigorously and frequently (preferably daily). Active ingredients in these shampoos include salicylic acid, coal tar, zinc, resorcin, ketoconazole, or selenium.

If the symptoms persist,then it would be best to get it confirmed from a dermatologist

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your mother is doing or in case you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

In adult it is known as seborrheic dermatitis,and does respond to ketoconazole shampoos.