Disclaimer: This treatment worked for my child, your results may vary. Please do your own research and check with a physician before beginning any new routines.
What is this? This can’t just be cradle cap, right? It looks so uncomfortable! What can I do?
These were some of the thoughts that I had when discovering that my child’s cradle cap was now considered eczema. At first it scared me because there were so many flakes and parts of her scalp were starting to ooze a discharge! “YIKES,” I thought! In my panic I scheduled doctor appointments and I began trying different creams, shampoos and oils, but nothing was working and I hated using so many chemicals on my baby girl’s scalp. So I stopped the medicated treatments and did some more research that changed her scalp condition DRASTICALLY!
Before I go on, ALWAYS check with your trusted doctor before trying any types of treatments on your own; however, I have to share the success we’ve had with using Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg), Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, and natural Aloe Vera Gel.
What did I do?
- I prepared a very mild version of an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse, combining 4 parts water (preferably distilled) to 1-2 parts Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). The only ACV that I use for my daughter, is Bragg Organic Raw~Unfiltered~Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar that contains “the Mother.” I also sometimes add 2 drops of tea tree oil because of its’ anti-fungal properties.
- I pour this over her head making sure it stays out of her face and mouth. I only do this with her laying on her back at the kitchen sink.
- I do not use regular shampoo because a lot of regular shampoos contain harsh sulfates which can dry out the scalp and hair.
- After letting the mixture sit for a couple of minutes while I gently massage her scalp, I rinse it off, thoroughly.
*Also please test a small patch just to make sure this mixture does not cause any discomfort; however, it did NOT cause any pain for my little one.*
Next -
- I put Aloe Vera Gel or Gelly on her scalp while her scalp and hair are still wet. I use Lily of the Desert 99% aloe vera Gelly brand because the ingredients seem more natural. I also use the edible Aloe Vera Juice diluted with water and spray this mixture on her scalp when I am out of the gel. Aloe Vera has amazing healing properties and helps skin to renew.
Then -
- I seal in the moisture from the water and aloe vera with natural Extra Virgin Coconut Oil which also has anti-fungal properties and is a great moisturizer for skin and hair.
The first month -
- I continued using aloe vera gel and coconut oil every single day and her scalp improved 100%.
- When her hair and scalp needs to be washed, I do the ACV rinse (not to often, just once a month) or use a very small amount of natural shampoo.
It has been several months and she still occasionally has a little bit of dandruff but her eczema seems, dare I say…. GONE! Her skin has healed and she no longer has a lot of light spots that appear after an eczema flare up has started to heal. The coconut oil and aloe vera also helps her skin maintain moisture during the winter and keeps her from drying out in this heat. I also still use a small amount of aloe vera and coconut oil at least 3 times a week to prevent a flare up.
If you have a child, who suffers from eczema, you know the heart break it can cause for us parents and the discomfort for our children. This mixture may or may not help, but please talk to a physician about whether or not it is safe for you or your child. It really worked for us and I pray that at least part of this routine helps some of you! {The Charlotte Moms and I are not associated with any of the products mentioned. All of the opinions expressed are my own.}
Once again PLEASE do your own research, Apple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera Gel and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil have so many benefits!!!
If you have any questions please feel free to ask! Or if you’re interested in hearing about the other benefits comment below.
Do you or someone you know suffer from eczema? What have you used that seems to help?
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I feel like I have extremely dry scalp that only comes out when my hair is in braids. I’m going to try this very soon. Thank you. And what brand do you use for your tea tree oil. Thank you
So sorry that I missed your question Chastity! I use the one from Trader Joe’s.
So you don’t wash the coconut oil out? Isn’t her hair greasy? I put coconut oil on my daughter’s scalp and it looked like she hadn’t washed her hair in a month.
Faith, thanks so much for sharing. I happen to have all of those ingreds, same brands, right now and will try this method. I have pretty thick, shoulder length hair. How did you apply each product? I want to get more on my scalp than hair. Thanks!