infant eyebrows hair loss

My son is 3 1/2 weeks old.  He woke up one morning with no eyebrows left.  His eyebrow hair has been replaced with flaky skin.  He also seems to have craddle cap and from his forhead back is now bald- after being born with think, dark baby hair.  Is this all normal?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.
This sounds like seborrheic dermatitis. "Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. It can occur with or without reddened skin."(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000963.htm)

I suggest that you have this assessed by a pediatric dermatologist so that the right medictons be given. Continue with the daily baths and the mild cleansers that you use for your child .Here is a list of practical tips that may guide you.You can find the complete article in :http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000963.htm:

"For infants with cradle cap:

1. Massage your baby's scalp gently with your fingers
2. Give your child daily, gentle shampoos with a mild soap while scales are present.
3. Be sure to rinse off all soap.
4. Brush your child's hair with a clean, soft brush after each shampoo and several times during the day.
5. If scales do not easily loosen and wash off, apply some mineral oil to the baby's scalp and wrap warm, wet cloths around his head for up to an hour before shampooing.
6. If the scales continue to be a problem or concern, or if you child seems uncomfortable or scratches his scalp, contact your physician. "