Thursday, January 8, 2009

Oh, how big he is getting.

Shaun and I had to take Christian to the doctor on Monday for a rash that is on his face, head, neck, upper neck and back. He is now 11 lbs and 2.5 oz. Oh my goodness how he is growing. Anyway, back to why we took him...
They told us that he has what is called "cradle cap." Cradle cap is very common. Baby's who have cradel cap have a scalp that has flaky, dry skin that looks like dandruff, or even thick, oily, yellowish or brown scaling or crusting patches. Cradle cap isn't cute, but it's harmless. Dr. G told us that most often it shows up in the first few months of life, and it usually clears up on its own in about six to 12 months — although some babies have it for several years (hope this is not Christian). Baby's can get it in other places besides their scalps like their ears or eyebrows, or even in their armpits and other creases. When it's not on their scalps, it's called seborrheic dermatitis.
I know you are wondering "What causes cradle cap?" Well, it is unknown. I found on the internet that some experts believe that the hormones a baby receives from his mother at the end of pregnancy overstimulate the baby's seborrheic (oil-producing) glands, resulting in cradle cap. But there's no consensus on the cause.
In order to help get rid of the cradle cap, we have to bathe him in Selsun Blue two to three times a week. We have to leave the Selsun Blue on his infected areas for 8 to 10 minutes. That is right, we have to leave a 6 week old in his bath water for 8 to 10 minutes...we push for 8. He is so cute while we are bathing him. The Selsun Blue is blue (of course) and when we put it on him he looks like a Smurf. I will have to take a picture of him the next time we give him a bath to show everyone. It is sad (to hear him cry) but adorable (with his blue face and head). Be on the look out for the pictures.

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2 comments:

Erin Lee said...

look at the little fatty - he almost doesn't look like the same baby! how cute - glad he is growing big and strong. I think he looks like both of you - I can't decide!

Hollie Heming said...

We have to do the same with Will. The Selsun Blue will help. His seems to be clearing up, but it's slow :).